On March 26, 1961, a Douglas DC-6 (registration G-APOM) operated by Cunard Eagle Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Shannon, Ireland during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of the following factors: - Poor crew coordination, - Poor flight preparation, - Lack of pilot experience. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a local training mission at Shannon Airport, a crew inadvertently raised the landing gear after a normal landing, causing the aircraft to belly-land and catch fire. All six crew members evacuated safely before the aircraft was destroyed.
Overview
A training flight at Shannon Airport ended with the aircraft being destroyed by fire after an inadvertent landing gear retraction. The incident occurred during a local training mission involving several touch-and-go maneuvers.
Sequence of Events
According to the investigation, the pilot performed a normal landing following several touch-and-go maneuvers and prepared for another takeoff. At that point, one of the crew members inadvertently raised the undercarriage. The airplane sank onto its belly and slid for several yards before coming to rest in flames on the left edge of the runway.
All six crew members were evacuated safely. The aircraft was destroyed by the fire.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation identified three contributing factors: poor crew coordination, poor flight preparation, and lack of pilot experience.
Probable cause
The accident was the consequence of the following factors: - Poor crew coordination, - Poor flight preparation, - Lack of pilot experience.