Gear-up landing at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport

No fatalities • Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a belly landing at Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro after failing to deploy its landing gear.

What happened

During an approach to Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, an aircraft performed a landing on its fuselage rather than its wheels. Following the impact with the runway, the plane slid for several dozen meters before coming to a complete stop.

While the incident resulted in no fatalities or injuries, the structural damage sustained during the belly landing was severe enough that the aircraft was declared a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the event concluded that the primary reason for the accident was an operational error by the crew, specifically that they failed to extend the landing gear prior to touchdown.

Probable cause

The flight crew neglected to lower the landing gear during the approach phase of the flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1968-11-06 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil?

An aircraft experienced a belly landing at Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro after failing to deploy its landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 1968-11-06 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1968-11-06 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration PP-LEW, operated by VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo, at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight crew neglected to lower the landing gear during the approach phase of the flight.

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