Aircraft gear collapse at Saint-Pierre Airport

No fatalities • Saint-Pierre, Saint Pierre and Miquelon • Takeoff (climb)

A structural failure of the landing gear during a takeoff roll led to an aircraft overrunning the runway and entering a ravine at Saint-Pierre Airport.

What happened

While performing a takeoff roll at Saint-Pierre Airport, the left main gear of the aircraft suffered a mechanical collapse. Following this failure, the pilot-in-command attempted to abort the takeoff procedure; however, the momentum of the aircraft caused it to overshoot the runway perimeter. The aircraft eventually came to a stop after sliding into a nearby ravine.

There were no fatalities reported in the incident. Among the occupants, five passengers sustained minor injuries, while the rest of the crew and passengers escaped without harm. The aircraft sustained significant damage during the excursion and was subsequently declared a total loss.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary factor in the accident was the failure of the left main landing gear during the initial phase of the takeoff roll.

Probable cause

The collapse of the left main landing gear during the takeoff roll caused the aircraft to overrun the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-04-04 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Saint-Pierre, Saint Pierre and Miquelon?

A structural failure of the landing gear during a takeoff roll led to an aircraft overrunning the runway and entering a ravine at Saint-Pierre Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-04-04 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 1961-04-04 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration CF-JNR, operated by Eastern Provincial Airways - EPA, at Saint-Pierre, Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the left main landing gear during the takeoff roll caused the aircraft to overrun the runway.

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