No fatalities

Right main gear failure during landing (F-BAOD)

Cotonou-Cardinal Bernardin Gantin (ex Cadjehoun), BeninLanding (descent or approach)

On February 16, 1950, a Douglas DC-3 (registration F-BAOD) operated by Air France was involved in an aviation accident near Cotonou-Cardinal Bernardin Gantin (ex Cadjehoun), Benin during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the right main landing gear upon touchdown caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and lose an engine. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure upon touchdown, resulting in a runway excursion and significant airframe damage.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving the right main landing gear immediately upon contact with the runway. This structural failure caused the aircraft to deviate from its intended path, veering toward the right side of the runway.

As the vessel moved off the paved surface, the impact or subsequent movement resulted in the loss of the right engine. The sequence of events concluded when the aircraft came to a complete stop after exiting the runway area.

Findings

  • The primary event was triggered by the failure of the right main gear during touchdown.
  • The incident resulted in no fatalities or injuries among the three crew members on board.
  • While the occupants escaped without harm, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Probable cause

The failure of the right main landing gear upon touchdown caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and lose an engine.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Feb 1950 Douglas DC-3 accident near Cotonou-Cardinal Bernardin Gantin (ex Cadjehoun), Benin?

An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure upon touchdown, resulting in a runway excursion and significant airframe damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Feb 1950 Douglas DC-3 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Feb 1950 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration F-BAOD, operated by Air France, at Cotonou-Cardinal Bernardin Gantin (ex Cadjehoun), Benin.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the right main landing gear upon touchdown caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and lose an engine.