Landing gear collapse during arrival

No fatalities • Bahar Dar, Ethiopia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a structural failure of its left main landing gear during the landing phase, resulting in a runway excursion.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft's left main landing gear suffered a sudden collapse. This mechanical failure caused the plane to lose stability on the runway, leading it to slide along its undercarriage.

The movement continued until the aircraft came to a complete stop. While the incident resulted in significant damage to the airframe, the aircraft was determined to be a total loss and was declared beyond repair.

There were four occupants on board at the time of the accident, consisting of three crew members and one security officer. All individuals successfully evacuated the wreckage and were reported as uninjured following the event.

Findings

Investigations into the incident focused on the structural integrity of the landing gear assembly. The primary factor identified was the failure of the left main gear immediately upon touchdown.

Probable cause

The collapse of the left main landing gear during touchdown for undetermined reasons.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-01-11 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Bahar Dar, Ethiopia?

An aircraft experienced a structural failure of its left main landing gear during the landing phase, resulting in a runway excursion.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-01-11 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 1981-01-11 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration ET-AGW, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, at Bahar Dar, Ethiopia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the left main landing gear during touchdown for undetermined reasons.

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