Emergency landing of aircraft at São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport

No fatalities • São Paulo-Guarulhos, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced landing gear failure during an emergency diversion from Campinas-Viracopos Airport, resulting in a belly landing without injuries.

What happened

Following its departure from Campinas-Viracopos Airport, the aircraft encountered technical difficulties during its initial climb. The crew notified air traffic control of the situation and received authorization to divert to São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport to perform an emergency landing.

During the final approach to runway 09L, the crew successfully deployed both main landing gears; however, these components failed to lock into position. Simultaneously, the nose gear remained trapped within the main wheel assembly. Upon contact with the runway, the aircraft struck the surface on its belly and slid for several dozen meters before the movement ceased.

Despite the impact, all five occupants of the aircraft managed to evacuate the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft itself sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the failure of the main landing gear to lock into the down position.
  • The nose gear was not properly extended, remaining stuck in the main wheel assembly during the descent.

Probable cause

The landing gear failed to lock into place, causing the aircraft to strike the runway on its belly.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-10-09 Boeing 707 accident near São Paulo-Guarulhos, Brazil?

An aircraft experienced landing gear failure during an emergency diversion from Campinas-Viracopos Airport, resulting in a belly landing without injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1994-10-09 Boeing 707 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-10-09 involved a Boeing 707, registration HK-3355X, operated by TAMPA Cargo (Transportes Aéreos Mercantiles Panamericanos), at São Paulo-Guarulhos, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The landing gear failed to lock into place, causing the aircraft to strike the runway on its belly.

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