No fatalities

Aircraft Undercarriage Collapse During Low Visibility Approach at Takoradi (KN496)

Takoradi, GhanaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 29, 1946, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration KN496) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Takoradi, Ghana during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident resulted from the pilot executing an approach that was too low for the existing weather conditions. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-25Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck a structure with its landing gear during a low-visibility approach to Takoradi, causing the undercarriage to collapse upon touchdown. The plane slid on its belly but no injuries were reported.

What happened

The flight was conducting an approach to Takoradi under conditions of poor weather and low visibility. As the aircraft established itself on final approach, it made contact with a small hut using its landing gear. Moments later, upon making initial ground contact, the undercarriage collapsed. Following this structural failure, the airframe slid along the runway surface for several yards before eventually coming to a complete stop. Despite the significant damage sustained by the airframe, there were no fatalities or injuries among those on board. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss and written off.

Findings

The official investigation identified that the primary contributing factor to the incident was an approach conducted at an altitude that was too low for the prevailing conditions.

Probable cause

The accident resulted from the pilot executing an approach that was too low for the existing weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Jan 1946 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Takoradi, Ghana?

An aircraft struck a structure with its landing gear during a low-visibility approach to Takoradi, causing the undercarriage to collapse upon touchdown. The plane slid on its belly but no injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jan 1946 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 29 Jan 1946 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration KN496, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Takoradi, Ghana.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident resulted from the pilot executing an approach that was too low for the existing weather conditions.