Landing gear collapse leads to aircraft breakup at La Paz-El Alto Airport

No fatalities • La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure during arrival at La Paz-El Alto Airport, resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent fire.

What happened

During the landing phase at La Paz-El Alto Airport, an aircraft experienced a structural failure involving one of its main landing gear components. This collapse caused the aircraft to lose directional control while on the runway surface. As the vessel veered off the designated runway, the impact and subsequent movement resulted in the airframe breaking into three distinct sections.

Following the breakup, the wreckage caught fire. Despite the severity of the accident and the intensity of the flames, there were no fatalities reported among the occupants. The three crew members on board sustained injuries during the sequence of events.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the loss of control was the collapse of a main landing gear unit during touchdown.

Probable cause

The collapse of one of the main landing gear components during landing caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and break apart.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-05-08 Douglas DC-6 accident near La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia?

An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure during arrival at La Paz-El Alto Airport, resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 1987-05-08 Douglas DC-6 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-05-08 involved a Douglas DC-6, registration CP-1650, operated by Frigorifico Reyes (FRI REYES), at La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of one of the main landing gear components during landing caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and break apart.

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