No fatalities

Aircraft landing gear collapse during touchdown (PI-C945)

San Jose, PhilippinesLanding (descent or approach)

On January 21, 1965, a Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3) (registration PI-C945) operated by Filipinas Orient Airways (Fairways) was involved in an aviation accident near San Jose, Philippines during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the left main landing gear during touchdown caused the aircraft to slide and sustain irreparable damage. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a structural failure of its left main landing gear while landing, resulting in significant damage to the airframe.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft's left main gear suffered a mechanical collapse immediately upon touchdown. Following the failure of the landing gear, the plane continued to move across the ground, sliding for several yards before the movement ceased.

Despite the impact and subsequent slide, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among those on board. However, the structural damage sustained during the incident was severe enough that the aircraft was declared a total loss and was damaged beyond repair.

Findings

Official investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor leading to the accident was the failure of the left main gear at the moment of landing.

Probable cause

The collapse of the left main landing gear during touchdown caused the aircraft to slide and sustain irreparable damage.