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Landing gear collapse during training flight at Kwajalein Island (66-255)

Kwajalein, Marshall IslandsLanding (descent or approach)

On January 18, 1984, a De Havilland C-7A Caribou (registration 66-255) operated by United States Army was involved in an aviation accident near Kwajalein, Marshall Islands during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of one of the aircraft's landing gear struts upon touchdown. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained significant damage following a landing gear failure during a local training mission at Kwajalein Island Airport.

What happened

During a routine local training operation conducted at Kwajalein Island Airport, an aircraft experienced a mechanical failure upon arrival. As the flight crew was completing the landing phase of their mission, one of the landing gear components collapsed immediately after the wheels made contact with the runway surface.

The resulting impact caused the aircraft to come to a stop on the active runway. The structural damage sustained during the incident was severe enough that the aircraft was declared a total loss and deemed beyond repair.

Findings

  • There were no fatalities or injuries reported among the crew members.
  • The primary factor in the accident was the collapse of the undercarriage during touchdown.

Probable cause

The collapse of one of the aircraft's landing gear struts upon touchdown.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jan 1984 De Havilland C-7A Caribou accident near Kwajalein, Marshall Islands?

An aircraft sustained significant damage following a landing gear failure during a local training mission at Kwajalein Island Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jan 1984 De Havilland C-7A Caribou accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jan 1984 involved a De Havilland C-7A Caribou, registration 66-255, operated by United States Army, at Kwajalein, Marshall Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of one of the aircraft's landing gear struts upon touchdown.

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