On April 19, 1975, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration EL-AAB) operated by Air Liberia was involved in an aviation accident near Monrovia-Roberts, Liberia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the loss of control during the takeoff roll was the consequence of the tire of the right main gear to be deflated. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff at 72 knots, the aircraft veered right, exited the runway, and sustained severe damage after both main landing gears were torn off on soft ground. All 25 occupants escaped uninjured. Probable cause: deflated right main tire.
Accident Sequence
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft reached a speed of 72 knots when it began to veer to the right. The pilot-in-command attempted to correct the deviation, but the airplane departed the right side of the runway. Upon contacting soft ground adjacent to the runway, both main landing gears were torn off. The airplane continued for approximately 160 meters before coming to rest.
Occupant and Damage Assessment
All 25 occupants aboard the aircraft evacuated without injury. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair as a result of the impact with the soft terrain and the subsequent loss of the main landing gear.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the loss of control during the takeoff roll was caused by a deflated tire on the right main landing gear.