What happened
During a routine mission returning to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, the flight crew encountered a critical mechanical issue. While performing the approach, the pilot found that the undercarriage could not be deployed. Despite multiple attempts to successfully lower the landing gear, the malfunction persisted.
Due to the inability to land safely, the crew opted to depart the immediate area and maneuvered the aircraft over the East China Sea to facilitate an emergency egress. Once all members of the crew had successfully exited the aircraft via bailout, a Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star piloted by an interceptor shot down the disabled plane. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ocean surface. All personnel involved in the incident were recovered safely.
Findings
- The primary issue was a failure to extend the landing gear during the approach phase.
- The inability to lower the undercarriage necessitated an emergency abandonment of the aircraft over open water.