Brake failure leads to ground loop and damage in Salisbury

No fatalities • Rushinga-Forward Airfield, Zimbabwe • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a ground loop following touchdown due to a malfunction in the braking system, resulting in structural damage and one minor injury.

What happened

Upon completing the landing phase, the aircraft experienced a sudden failure of its braking systems. This mechanical malfunction triggered a ground loop during the rollout. During the course of the incident, both propellers became detached from the engine, and the left main landing gear sustained significant damage, being partially torn from the airframe.

There were three crew members on board at the time of the accident. The two pilots escaped without injury, while the flight engineer sustained a slight wound. Following the event, the aircraft was transported by truck to Salisbury for assessment and potential repairs; however, the vessel was ultimately declared a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the ground loop was the failure of the braking systems immediately after touchdown.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the failure of the aircraft's brakes during the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1975-02-21 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Rushinga-Forward Airfield, Zimbabwe?

An aircraft experienced a ground loop following touchdown due to a malfunction in the braking system, resulting in structural damage and one minor injury.

Were there any fatalities in the 1975-02-21 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 1975-02-21 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration R3707, operated by Air Force of Zimbabwe, at Rushinga-Forward Airfield, Zimbabwe.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the failure of the aircraft's brakes during the landing roll.

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