No fatalities

2004-10-23: Boeing 707 (PP-BSE) — BETA Cargo - Brazilian Express Transportes Aéreos — Manaus-Eduardo Gomes, Brazil

Manaus-Eduardo Gomes, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On October 23, 2004, a Boeing 707 (registration PP-BSE) operated by BETA Cargo - Brazilian Express Transportes Aéreos was involved in an aviation accident near Manaus-Eduardo Gomes, Brazil during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right main gear collapsed during takeoff following a structural failure caused by the presence of fatigue cracks that were not detected by the maintenance crew because of poor maintenance. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781200055Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 707
Photo: USAF / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

During takeoff on runway 10, a loud noise from the right side led to a rejected takeoff. The aircraft veered right and came to rest off the runway. All three crew members exited uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview

On the runway 10 at Manaus-Eduardo Gomes Airport, the flight crew initiated takeoff by releasing the brakes and increasing engine power. Shortly after, a loud noise was heard emanating from the right side of the aircraft. The captain promptly decided to reject the takeoff and applied the brakes. As the aircraft began to deviate to the right, it veered off the runway and eventually came to a stop.

Crew and Aircraft Status

The three crew members on board escaped without injury. However, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The right main gear punctured the wing, rendering the aircraft damaged beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the right main gear collapsed during the takeoff roll due to a structural failure. This failure resulted from the presence of fatigue cracks that were not identified by the maintenance crew because of poor maintenance practices. Additionally, the aircraft had been involved in a previous accident at Guarulhos Airport, which caused damage to the right main gear.