Aircraft ground excursion during takeoff

No fatalities • Camanaos, Colombia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure and subsequent collision with vegetation after deviating from the runway centerline during its takeoff roll.

What happened

During the takeoff roll on runway 27, the aircraft began its acceleration approximately 15 meters behind the runway threshold markings. As the aircraft progressed down the runway, it encountered a soft surface that impeded its ability to gain speed. Approximately 395 meters into the roll, the left landing gear entered a depression in the ground created by the track of the same aircraft during a previous landing on runway 09.

This contact caused the aircraft to veer toward the left side of the runway. In an attempt to manage the deviation, the pilot initiated an aborted takeoff. The aircraft traveled an additional 47 meters before the left landing gear collided with a fallen tree trunk. This impact forced the aircraft into a 50-degree turn to the left, ultimately causing the nose to become lodged in dense undergrowth. The force of the collision resulted in the separation of both engines and the main landing gear, along with significant damage to the forward fuselage.

Findings

  • The takeoff roll was hampered by a soft runway surface.
  • The aircraft's left landing gear entered an existing wheel track left by its own previous operations.
  • All passengers and crew members were evacuated from the wreckage without injury, though the aircraft was determined to be a total loss.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway after the left landing gear struck a rut in the ground left by a previous landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1977-02-17 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Camanaos, Colombia?

An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure and subsequent collision with vegetation after deviating from the runway centerline during its takeoff roll.

Were there any fatalities in the 1977-02-17 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 1977-02-17 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration FAC-1125, operated by SATENA - Servicio de Aeronavegacion a Territorios Nacionales, at Camanaos, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway after the left landing gear struck a rut in the ground left by a previous landing.

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