Runway excursion involving landing gear retraction error

No fatalities • Pedro Afonso, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion following an incorrect command during the landing roll, resulting in significant hull damage but no fatalities.

What happened

Upon completing its landing on runway 24, the aircraft drifted left of the established centerline. Following this deviation, the captain elected to attempt a takeoff. During the initial stages of the rotation, the captain issued an instruction to the co-pilot to retract the landing gear.

Due to confusion within the cockpit, the co-pilot deployed the retraction sequence while the aircraft was still in motion along the runway surface. This premature action caused the aircraft to settle onto its undercarriage structure. The vessel slid across the pavement for a short distance before coming to a complete stop. While there were no fatalities or injuries reported, the incident resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the accident highlighted several critical errors. The initial departure from the runway centerline was attributed to the improper application of brakes or flight control inputs following the touchdown. Furthermore, the investigation identified poor crew coordination and the untimely retraction of the landing gear as primary contributing factors to the excursion.

Probable cause

Improper use of aircraft controls during the landing roll combined with a lack of effective communication between the flight crew led to the premature retraction of the landing gear.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1962-06-27 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Pedro Afonso, Brazil?

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion following an incorrect command during the landing roll, resulting in significant hull damage but no fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1962-06-27 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1962-06-27 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration PP-BTE, operated by Paraense Transportes Aéreos, at Pedro Afonso, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Improper use of aircraft controls during the landing roll combined with a lack of effective communication between the flight crew led to the premature retraction of the landing gear.

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