No fatalities

1959-07-09: Boeing 377 Stratocruiser (N90941) — Pan American World Airways - PAA — Tokyo-Haneda, Japan

Tokyo-Haneda, JapanLanding (descent or approach)

On July 9, 1959, a Boeing 377 Stratocruiser (registration N90941) operated by Pan American World Airways - PAA was involved in an aviation accident near Tokyo-Haneda, Japan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781247321Data APIEditorial standards

During approach to Tokyo-Haneda, the aircraft 'Clipper Australia' received gear unsafe warnings. The crew aborted a go-around due to low speed, retracted the gear, and performed a belly landing. All 59 occupants evacuated safely.

Incident

The aircraft named 'Clipper Australia' was on approach to Tokyo-Haneda Airport following an uneventful transpacific flight. During the execution of the approach checklist, the landing gear was extended, and three green lights illuminated on the panel, indicating that the gear appeared to be down and locked.

Sequence of Events

As power was reduced prior to touchdown, a gear unsafe warning horn sounded and a red gear unsafe warning light illuminated. The captain initially called for a go-around but quickly noticed that the airspeed was too low to safely execute the maneuver. Instead, the crew retracted the landing gear without delay and carried out a belly landing on the runway.

Evacuation and Damage

All 59 occupants of the aircraft evacuated safely. However, the aircraft sustained substantial damage and was considered damaged beyond repair.