Right main gear collapse during landing at Wapenamanda Airport

No fatalities • Wapenamanda, Papua New Guinea • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight arriving from Madang experienced a landing gear failure upon touchdown at Wapenamanda Airport, resulting in an aircraft excursion.

What happened

A cargo operation traveling from Madang to Wapenamanda Airport experienced a significant mechanical failure during the arrival phase. As the aircraft was touching down on the runway, the right main landing gear collapsed. This structural failure caused the aircraft to lose directional control, leading it to veer off the runway surface and come to a stop.

There were no injuries reported among the two crew members on board. However, the impact and subsequent excursion resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss, as the damage was deemed beyond repair.

Findings

Investigations into the incident identified the primary reason for the gear collapse as a structural failure within the landing gear assembly. Specifically, the right main gear failed because of a fractured trunnion located at the rear of the undercarriage strut.

Probable cause

The collapse of the right main landing gear was caused by a fracture in the trunnion at the rear of the undercarriage strut.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-07-17 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Wapenamanda, Papua New Guinea?

A cargo flight arriving from Madang experienced a landing gear failure upon touchdown at Wapenamanda Airport, resulting in an aircraft excursion.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-07-17 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 1972-07-17 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration VH-MAE, operated by Ansett Airlines of Papua New Guinea, at Wapenamanda, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the right main landing gear was caused by a fracture in the trunnion at the rear of the undercarriage strut.

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