No fatalities

Right Main Gear Collapse During Landing in Puerto Plata Positioning Flight (HI-384HA)

Miami-Intl, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 16, 1981, a Boeing 707 (registration HI-384HA) operated by Hispaniola Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Miami-Intl, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right main gear upon touchdown due to shock absorbing asymmetry. Contributing factors: fatigue fracture of landing gear main gear struts and attachments, failure of the right main gear truck beam (PN 50-9725-2), and separation of the front… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 707
Photo: USAF / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

During a positioning flight from Puerto Plata, the right main gear collapsed on landing, causing the aircraft to come to rest on the runway and sustaining damage beyond repair. All five crew members escaped uninjured.

Accident Overview

A crew was completing a positioning flight from Puerto Plata when, upon landing, the right main gear collapsed. The aircraft came to rest on the runway and was damaged beyond repair. All five crew members escaped uninjured.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was failure of the right main gear upon touchdown due to shock absorbing asymmetry. Contributing factors included fatigue fracture of the landing gear main gear struts and attachments, failure of the right main gear truck beam (part number 50-9725-2), and separation of the front wheels.

Aircraft and Crew

The aircraft involved was on a positioning flight. The crew consisted of five members who all escaped uninjured. No further details about the aircraft type or registration were provided in the source.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that the right main gear failed as a result of shock absorbing asymmetry. Specific findings included fatigue fractures in the main gear struts and attachments, failure of the right main gear truck beam (PN 50-9725-2), and separation of the front wheels. These factors led to the collapse of the right main gear upon touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Dec 1981 Boeing 707 accident near Miami-Intl, United States of America?

During a positioning flight from Puerto Plata, the right main gear collapsed on landing, causing the aircraft to come to rest on the runway and sustaining damage beyond repair. All five crew members escaped uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Dec 1981 Boeing 707 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Dec 1981 involved a Boeing 707, registration HI-384HA, operated by Hispaniola Airways, at Miami-Intl, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the right main gear upon touchdown due to shock absorbing asymmetry. Contributing factors: fatigue fracture of landing gear main gear struts and attachments, failure of the right main gear truck beam (PN 50-9725-2), and separation of the front wheels.