No fatalities

1959-02-20: Douglas DC-7 (N740PA) — Pan American World Airways - PAA — San Francisco, United States of America

San Francisco, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 20, 1959, a Douglas DC-7 (registration N740PA) operated by Pan American World Airways - PAA was involved in an aviation accident near San Francisco, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781247641Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft conducting a training flight at San Francisco Airport impacted the runway during flare, shearing off the undercarriage and catching fire. All three crew members evacuated safely.

Incident Overview

A four-engine aircraft was involved in a runway accident during a local training flight at San Francisco Airport. The flight was part of a transition program for the crew. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was consumed by fire, rendering it beyond repair. All three crew members onboard evacuated safely.

Sequence of Events

According to the investigation, the crew was completing an approach with a high rate of descent. As the pilot-in-command initiated the flare, the aircraft continued descending and impacted the runway surface. The impact sheared off the undercarriage, causing the airplane to skid for several yards before coming to rest in flames.

Aftermath

Emergency services responded to the scene, but the aircraft was already engulfed in fire. The three crew members had already evacuated and were unharmed. The accident resulted in the total loss of the aircraft. No other details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or specific conditions at the time of the accident have been released.