Aircraft belly landing at Mercedes Airport during medical transport

No fatalities • Mercedes, Argentina • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft performing an ambulance mission experienced a gear-up landing at Mercedes Airport, resulting in the total loss of the airframe.

What happened

During the course of an emergency medical transport mission, an aircraft arrived at Mercedes Airport and performed a belly landing. The incident occurred while the flight was in its final approach phase to the airfield.

While the landing resulted in no injuries to those on board, the impact caused significant damage to the airframe. Following the event, the aircraft was declared a total loss and was written off by the operator.

Findings

The primary factor in the accident was a gear-up landing, which led to the destruction of the aircraft during its arrival at the airport.

Probable cause

The aircraft landed without the landing gear being extended.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-04-04 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident near Mercedes, Argentina?

An aircraft performing an ambulance mission experienced a gear-up landing at Mercedes Airport, resulting in the total loss of the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-04-04 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1961-04-04 involved a De Havilland DH.104 Dove, registration S-3, operated by Argentinian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Argentina, at Mercedes, Argentina.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft landed without the landing gear being extended.

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