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.
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.
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.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…