Undercarriage retraction incident during landing rollout

No fatalities • Pereira-Matecaña, Colombia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced an unexpected landing gear retraction during the braking phase of a landing, resulting in a belly landing with no injuries.

What happened

During a routine approach and landing sequence, the aircraft completed its touchdown and began the necessary braking maneuvers. Approximately 700 meters into the rollout, the landing gear began to slowly retract while the aircraft was still in motion on the runway. This unexpected movement caused the aircraft to settle onto its fuselage. The impact of the belly landing resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss, as the structural damage was beyond repair.

Findings

  • All 44 individuals on board managed to evacuate the aircraft without sustaining any injuries.
  • The primary factor in the accident was the unintended retraction of the undercarriage during the post-landing braking phase.

Probable cause

The unexpected retraction of the landing gear during the aircraft's braking roll led to the belly landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-09-14 De Havilland DHC-8-300 (Dash-8) accident near Pereira-Matecaña, Colombia?

An aircraft experienced an unexpected landing gear retraction during the braking phase of a landing, resulting in a belly landing with no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-09-14 De Havilland DHC-8-300 (Dash-8) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-09-14 involved a De Havilland DHC-8-300 (Dash-8), registration HK-4062X, operated by Intercontinental Colombia - Intercontinental de Aviación, at Pereira-Matecaña, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The unexpected retraction of the landing gear during the aircraft's braking roll led to the belly landing.

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