Belly landing following high approach at runway

No fatalities • Saugaon, India • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft underwent a belly landing after the pilot failed to execute a go-around during the final approach phase.

What happened

During the final approach phase of the flight, the aircraft was positioned too high relative to the glide path. Rather than initiating a missed approach or go-around procedure, the pilot-in-command elected to continue the landing attempt by increasing the descent rate.

As the aircraft neared the end of the runway, the pilot retracted the undercarriage. This resulted in a belly landing where the airframe made direct contact with the runway surface. The aircraft slid for several dozen yards before coming to a complete stop.

Findings

  • The crew members involved in the flight sustained no injuries.
  • The aircraft suffered damage that was determined to be beyond repair.
  • A primary contributing factor was the pilot's decision to increase the rate of descent instead of performing a go-around when the approach was found to be too high.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue the landing with an unstable approach and increased descent rate rather than executing a go-around.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1954-05-15 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Saugaon, India?

An aircraft underwent a belly landing after the pilot failed to execute a go-around during the final approach phase.

Were there any fatalities in the 1954-05-15 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 1954-05-15 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration VT-DGO, operated by Jamair, at Saugaon, India.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue the landing with an unstable approach and increased descent rate rather than executing a go-around.

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