Emergency landing at Gia Lâm Airport following elevator malfunction

No fatalities • Hanoi-Gia Lâm, Vietnam • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a mechanical failure during its initial climb from Gia Lâm Airport, leading to a crash landing in the Red River.

What happened

During the early stages of flight following departure from Gia Lâm Airport, the pilot-in-command identified a significant technical malfunction involving the aircraft's elevators. As the plane was in its climbing phase, the crew determined that an emergency landing was necessary to address the control issues.

While attempting to return to the airfield, the aircraft impacted the surface of the Red River, located a short distance from the airport. The impact resulted in the right wing being completely severed from the airframe. Despite the severity of the crash landing, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among those on board. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident revealed that the primary issue was a mechanical failure within the flight control system. Specifically, the elevator became jammed in an unsuitable position, preventing the pilot from maintaining proper pitch control during the climb.

Probable cause

The aircraft's elevator became stuck in an incorrect position due to an unidentified mechanical reason.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-11-05 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Hanoi-Gia Lâm, Vietnam?

An aircraft experienced a mechanical failure during its initial climb from Gia Lâm Airport, leading to a crash landing in the Red River.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-11-05 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-11-05 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration F-BCYL, operated by Compagnie Aérienne de Transports Indochinois - CATI, at Hanoi-Gia Lâm, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's elevator became stuck in an incorrect position due to an unidentified mechanical reason.

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