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Wheels-Up Landing at San Juan-Isla Verde Airport (N6103C)

San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marín (Isla Verde), Puerto RicoLanding (descent or approach)

On February 24, 1978, a Douglas DC-6 (registration N6103C) operated by West Indies Air Transport was involved in an aviation accident near San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marín (Isla Verde), Puerto Rico during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wheels-up landing after the crew failed to assure the gear was down and locked. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft made a belly landing at San Juan-Isla Verde Airport after the right main gear remained retracted. All three occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview During an approach to San Juan-Isla Verde Airport, the flight crew initiated the landing gear retraction cycle. However, the right main gear remained in the retracted position. The tower controller contacted the crew regarding the situation, but the captain elected to continue the approach rather than aborting the landing. The aircraft touched down in a wheels-up configuration, sliding on its belly for approximately 4,300 feet. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway to the right and came to rest in a drainage ditch. All three occupants on board escaped without injury. The aircraft sustained damage that was assessed as beyond repair.

Probable cause

Wheels-up landing after the crew failed to assure the gear was down and locked.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Feb 1978 Douglas DC-6 accident near San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marín (Isla Verde), Puerto Rico?

An aircraft made a belly landing at San Juan-Isla Verde Airport after the right main gear remained retracted. All three occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Feb 1978 Douglas DC-6 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Feb 1978 involved a Douglas DC-6, registration N6103C, operated by West Indies Air Transport, at San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marín (Isla Verde), Puerto Rico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Wheels-up landing after the crew failed to assure the gear was down and locked.

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