No fatalities

Landing Gear Collapse During Takeoff at Saigon-Tan Son Nhat Airport (N4059K)

Saigon, VietnamTakeoff (climb)

On December 30, 1966, a Douglas DC-7 (registration N4059K) operated by Airlift International was involved in an aviation accident near Saigon, Vietnam during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Undercarriage collapsed or 'retraction' during takeoff for undetermined reason. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 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

During a takeoff roll at Saigon-Tan Son Nhat Airport, the right main gear and nose gear collapsed for an unknown reason. The aircraft veered off the runway, leaving the four crew members uninjured but the aircraft damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview During the takeoff roll at Saigon-Tan Son Nhat Airport, the aircraft's right main gear and nose gear collapsed for an unknown reason. The sudden failure caused the aircraft to go out of control, veer off the runway, and come to rest. All four crew members on board were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the incident was the undercarriage collapsing or retracting during takeoff for an undetermined reason. No specific aircraft type, registration, operator, or date was provided in the source material.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Dec 1966 Douglas DC-7 accident near Saigon, Vietnam?

During a takeoff roll at Saigon-Tan Son Nhat Airport, the right main gear and nose gear collapsed for an unknown reason. The aircraft veered off the runway, leaving the four crew members uninjured but the aircraft damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Dec 1966 Douglas DC-7 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Dec 1966 involved a Douglas DC-7, registration N4059K, operated by Airlift International, at Saigon, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Undercarriage collapsed or 'retraction' during takeoff for undetermined reason.