Aircraft damage following landing incident at Hidden Bay

No fatalities • Hidden Bay, Canada • Landing (descent or approach)

A chartered cargo flight experienced a landing gear strike and subsequent fuel leak during an approach to Hidden Bay, Saskatchewan.

What happened

A cargo transport mission traveling from Kasba Lake, Northwest Territories, to Hidden Bay, Saskatchewan, resulted in significant damage to the aircraft. While performing a return leg under visual flight rules, the crew of four was attempting to land on runway 36 amidst right-hand crosswinds. During the approach, the first officer was operating the controls with the landing gear and flaps fully extended at a speed of approximately 100 knots.

As the aircraft passed over the runway threshold, the crew experienced a heavy impact that caused the plane to bounce roughly 40 to 50 feet before making contact with the runway. Upon touchdown, an unsafe indicator for the right main landing gear activated. The captain assumed control to finish the landing roll and taxi the plane to its parking spot. Following engine shutdown, the crew discovered fuel leaking onto the right main gear assembly. Although all four crew members were able to evacuate without injury, the aircraft was declared a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident revealed that the right main landing gear made contact with a 10-foot-deep lip located at the runway threshold. There were no indications of mechanical or system failures occurring prior to or during the flight operations.

Probable cause

The crew miscalculated the aircraft's altitude during a crosswind landing, leading to a strike against the runway threshold.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-06-16 Douglas DC-4 accident near Hidden Bay, Canada?

A chartered cargo flight experienced a landing gear strike and subsequent fuel leak during an approach to Hidden Bay, Saskatchewan.

Were there any fatalities in the 1987-06-16 Douglas DC-4 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-06-16 involved a Douglas DC-4, registration C-GPFG, operated by Calm Air International, at Hidden Bay, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew miscalculated the aircraft's altitude during a crosswind landing, leading to a strike against the runway threshold.

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