Undercarriage failure during landing on Mt Horlick

No fatalities • Mt Horlick, Antarctica • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft sustained significant damage after its landing gear collapsed during a supply mission on Mt Horlick.

What happened

During a logistics supply operation, an aircraft experienced a mechanical failure while touching down on Mt Horlick. As the plane made contact with the surface, the undercarriage failed to support the weight of the vehicle. The impact resulted in the aircraft being written off due to the extent of the damage.

Despite the severity of the gear collapse, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among the crew during the incident.

Findings

An investigation into the accident determined that the primary cause was a structural failure. The landing gear mount lacked the necessary strength to endure the intense pressure exerted by the sastrugi present at the landing site.

Probable cause

The landing gear mount failed because it could not withstand the physical stress caused by uneven ice ridges known as sastrugi.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1965-12-05 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Mt Horlick, Antarctica?

An aircraft sustained significant damage after its landing gear collapsed during a supply mission on Mt Horlick.

Were there any fatalities in the 1965-12-05 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1965-12-05 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 17107, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Mt Horlick, Antarctica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The landing gear mount failed because it could not withstand the physical stress caused by uneven ice ridges known as sastrugi.

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