No fatalities

1953-03-27: Curtiss C-46 Commando (HC-SJA) — AREA Ecuador - Aerovias Ecuatorianas — Panama City, Panama

Panama City, PanamaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 27, 1953, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration HC-SJA) operated by AREA Ecuador - Aerovias Ecuatorianas was involved in an aviation accident near Panama City, Panama during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the landing gear during touchdown caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and catch fire. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781253451Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft was destroyed by fire after its landing gear failed during the landing phase, causing it to veer off the runway into a ravine.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure when the undercarriage collapsed. This structural failure caused the aircraft to lose control immediately following touchdown. As a result of the loss of directional control, the plane veered toward the left side of the runway.

The aircraft subsequently exited the paved surface and traveled into a nearby ravine, where it came to a final position. Upon impact and subsequent movement, a fire broke out, which ultimately consumed the entire airframe. Despite the intensity of the flames, both pilots were successfully rescued from the wreckage.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the collapse of the undercarriage during the landing sequence.
  • The resulting loss of control led to the aircraft departing the runway and entering a ravine.
  • The structural integrity of the airframe was lost due to the subsequent fire.

Probable cause

The failure of the landing gear during touchdown caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and catch fire.