Emergency landing following engine failure during climb

No fatalities • Port-au-Prince, Haiti • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a left engine failure shortly after takeoff, forcing the pilot to perform an emergency landing in an uninhabited area.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure, the aircraft suffered a mechanical failure involving the left engine. In response to the loss of power, the pilot-in-command initiated a descent to lower altitude to manage the situation.

The crew directed the aircraft toward an available wasteland to perform an emergency landing. Upon touchdown, the plane slid across the terrain for a distance of several yards before coming to a complete stop. While the impact resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair, there were no casualties among the passengers or crew. All 28 occupants were successfully evacuated from the wreckage without injury.

Findings

Investigations into the incident determined that the primary factor was the failure of the left engine during the climb immediately after takeoff.

Probable cause

The loss of power in the left engine during the climb phase following departure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1959-03-31 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Port-au-Prince, Haiti?

An aircraft experienced a left engine failure shortly after takeoff, forcing the pilot to perform an emergency landing in an uninhabited area.

Were there any fatalities in the 1959-03-31 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 1959-03-31 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 5878, operated by Haiti Air Force - Corps d'Aviation Haïti, at Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of power in the left engine during the climb phase following departure.

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