On March 28, 1992, a Douglas DC-8 (registration OB-1456) operated by Export Air Cargo was involved in an aviation accident near Iquitos-Coronel Francisco Secada Vignetta, Peru during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the nose gear due to the fracture of the upper cap of the nose gear shock strut which in turn led to the failure of the control arms of the down lock safety mechanism. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft experienced nose gear collapse during landing on runway 06 at Iquitos, sliding several dozen meters before stopping. All six occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Incident Details
After touching down on runway 06 at Iquitos-Coronel Francisco Secada Vignetta Airport, the crew initiated the braking procedure. While the aircraft was decelerating at approximately 100 knots, the nose gear collapsed. The aircraft continued to slide for several dozen meters before coming to rest on the runway.
Occupant Status
All six occupants on board evacuated the aircraft without injury. No further details about the occupants were provided in the official report.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the event, being damaged beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause was the failure of the nose gear due to a fracture of the upper cap of the nose gear shock strut, which in turn led to the failure of the control arms of the down lock safety mechanism.