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Landing Gear Failure on Touchdown Leads to Crash and Fire (42-65369)

Kadena AFB, JapanLanding (descent or approach)

On April 6, 1951, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 42-65369) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Kadena AFB, Japan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Undercarriage failure on landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A crew of 14 were rescued after the main landing gear failed on touchdown, causing the aircraft to go out of control and catch fire. Some crew members were injured; the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

During landing, one of the main landing gears failed upon touchdown. The aircraft subsequently went out of control and came to rest enveloped in flames.

Occupants and Injuries

All 14 crew members aboard were rescued. Several of them sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by the fire.

Crew Roster

The crew consisted of: 1st Lt Henry Anderson, 1st Lt Charles Banchiera, Cpl Edward F. Clements, Cpt Jack W. Frost, Sgt Floyd T. Hobbs Jr., M/Sgt Owen M. King, 1st Lt Paul D. Lehman, 1st Lt Francis J. Liberatore, 1st Lt Charles W. Matt, 1st Lt Pieere E. Nys, S/Sgt John L. O'Flynn, Cpt Stanley Prawdzik, Cpl Thomas H. Protiva Jr., and Sgt John B. Tutt.

Probable Cause

Official findings state the probable cause as undercarriage failure on landing.

Structural failure

Related events

Same operator

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