On February 1, 1959, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress (registration N5845N) operated by Aero Service Corporation - USA was involved in an aviation accident near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Belly landing after the crew forgot to lower the landing gear on approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft on a topography mission executed a go-around due to runway occupancy, then belly landed on the second approach after the crew forgot to lower the landing gear. No casualties; aircraft damaged beyond repair.
Incident Overview
During a mission to collect topography data, the aircraft was approaching Jeddah Airport when the pilot initiated a go-around because another airplane was on the runway. On the second approach, the crew inadvertently failed to lower the landing gear. The airplane subsequently made a belly landing, sliding for several dozen meters before coming to rest.
Aftermath
There were no casualties reported. However, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond economical repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation attributed the incident to a belly landing resulting from the crew forgetting to extend the landing gear during the approach.