Belly landing of aircraft during approach to Jeddah Airport

No fatalities • Jeddah, Saudi Arabia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft performing a topography mission sustained heavy damage following a belly landing near Jeddah due to the landing gear being left retracted.

What happened

During a mission focused on topographical surveying, an aircraft was executing its final approach to Jeddah Airport. Prior to this attempt, the crew had been forced to perform a go-around maneuver because another aircraft was occupying the runway.

While attempting a second approach to the airport, the crew failed to extend the landing gear. As a result, the aircraft struck the runway surface with its undercarriage retracted. The impact caused the plane to slide for several dozen meters along the runway before coming to a complete stop. Although the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss, there were zero fatalities or injuries reported among the crew.

Findings

Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary reason for the accident was that the landing gear was not lowered by the crew during the second approach to the runway.

Probable cause

The crew failed to deploy the landing gear during the approach, resulting in a belly landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1959-02-01 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress accident near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia?

An aircraft performing a topography mission sustained heavy damage following a belly landing near Jeddah due to the landing gear being left retracted.

Were there any fatalities in the 1959-02-01 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1959-02-01 involved a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, registration N5845N, operated by Aero Service Corporation - USA, at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to deploy the landing gear during the approach, resulting in a belly landing.

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