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Landing gear collapse during arrival (ET-AHR)

Kombolcha-Dessie, EthiopiaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 7, 1981, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration ET-AHR) operated by Ethiopian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kombolcha-Dessie, Ethiopia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of a main landing gear component during the landing phase caused the aircraft to strike the ground on its belly. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained substantial damage after a main landing gear failure occurred during the landing phase.

What happened

During the landing sequence, the aircraft experienced a structural failure involving one of its main landing gear components. As the plane touched down, the collapsed gear caused the airframe to descend onto its underbelly. The movement continued until the aircraft reached a complete stop on the runway.

Findings

  • There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported following the incident.
  • The impact resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss, as it was damaged beyond repair.
  • The primary factor in the accident was the collapse of a main landing gear unit during touchdown.

Probable cause

The failure of a main landing gear component during the landing phase caused the aircraft to strike the ground on its belly.

Related events

Same operator

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