On April 16, 1977, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration B-247) operated by Far Eastern Air Transport - FAT was involved in an aviation accident near Tainan, Taiwan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The landing gear failed to support the weight of the aircraft upon touchdown, causing a belly slide. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure upon arrival at Tainan Airport, resulting in the plane sliding on its fuselage.
What happened
During the landing phase of the flight at Tainan Airport, the aircraft's undercarriage failed. This structural collapse caused the plane to lose support from its wheels, forcing the airframe to make contact with the runway surface. As a result of the gear failure, the airplane slid along its belly until it eventually reached a complete stop.
Despite the impact of the fuselage against the ground, there were no casualties reported following the incident. The aircraft remained intact enough that no injuries or fatalities occurred during the sequence of events.
Findings
The primary event was the collapse of the undercarriage immediately upon touchdown.
Probable cause
The landing gear failed to support the weight of the aircraft upon touchdown, causing a belly slide.
What happened in the 16 Apr 1977 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Tainan, Taiwan?
An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure upon arrival at Tainan Airport, resulting in the plane sliding on its fuselage.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Apr 1977 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 16 Apr 1977 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration B-247, operated by Far Eastern Air Transport - FAT, at Tainan, Taiwan.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The landing gear failed to support the weight of the aircraft upon touchdown, causing a belly slide.
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