Landing gear collapse during approach in tundra region

No fatalities • Shageluk, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure after touching down short of the runway due to unexpected vertical air movement.

What happened

During the final approach phase, the aircraft encountered minor vertical air currents that destabilized its flight path. As a result of these atmospheric conditions, the pilot touched the plane down before reaching the intended runway surface. The impact of this short landing caused the main landing gear to collapse entirely. Following the structural failure, the aircraft slid off the runway strip and came to rest in the nearby tundra.

All five occupants of the aircraft type managed to exit the vehicle without sustaining any injuries.

Findings

Investigations into the incident identified several contributing factors related to the flight's conclusion. The primary cause was a downdraft that affected the stability of the aircraft during the landing sequence. Additionally, it was determined that the pilot did not sufficiently compensate for these wind conditions and failed to execute a go-around procedure despite the destabilization. The collapse of the main gear was attributed to an overload resulting from the touchdown short of the runway.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to perform a go-around or adequately adjust for downdrafts, leading to an undershoot and subsequent landing gear failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-05-13 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Shageluk, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure after touching down short of the runway due to unexpected vertical air movement.

Were there any fatalities in the 1987-05-13 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-05-13 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration N8504X, operated by Northern Pacific Transport, at Shageluk, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to perform a go-around or adequately adjust for downdrafts, leading to an undershoot and subsequent landing gear failure.

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