On May 27, 1957, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration G-AKTZ) operated by Bahamas Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Benghazi-Benina, Libya during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by a tire failure occurring upon touchdown. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft sustained heavy damage after a tire burst during its landing sequence at a desert airstrip near Benghazi.
What happened
During the landing phase of a flight into a desert region of Benghazi, the aircraft experienced a sudden failure of a tire. The resulting burst caused the plane to come to an abrupt halt on the surface. While the impact and subsequent movement resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss due to extensive damage, there were no casualties reported.
All four occupants on board managed to exit the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. The incident left the airframe in a condition that was deemed beyond repair.
Findings
The primary factor identified in the incident was the bursting of a tire during the landing process.
Probable cause
The accident was caused by a tire failure occurring upon touchdown.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 27 May 1957 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident near Benghazi-Benina, Libya?
An aircraft sustained heavy damage after a tire burst during its landing sequence at a desert airstrip near Benghazi.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 May 1957 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 May 1957 involved a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, registration G-AKTZ, operated by Bahamas Helicopters, at Benghazi-Benina, Libya.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The accident was caused by a tire failure occurring upon touchdown.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…