On February 25, 1976, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration AN-AOC) operated by Lineas Aéreas de Nicaragua - LANICA was involved in an aviation accident near Managua-Augusto Cesar Sandino-Las Mercedes, Nicaragua during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the right main landing gear upon touchdown led to the destruction of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft sustained significant damage after its right main landing gear failed upon contact with the runway.
What happened
During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure immediately following touchdown. As the plane made contact with the runway, the right main gear collapsed. This structural failure caused the aircraft to lose stability and come to a stop on the airfield.
As a result of the gear collapse, the airframe sustained extensive damage. The incident was classified as a hull loss, as the aircraft was determined to be damaged beyond repair.
Findings
There were no casualties reported among the occupants following the impact.
The primary factor in the accident was the failure of the right main landing gear during the transition from flight to ground operations.
Probable cause
The collapse of the right main landing gear upon touchdown led to the destruction of the aircraft.