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Belly landing following gear retraction issue (C6-BDQ)

Chub Cay, BahamasTakeoff (climb)

On July 31, 1978, a Fairchild-Hiller FH-227 (registration C6-BDQ) operated by Bahamasair was involved in an aviation accident near Chub Cay, Bahamas during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew initiated an emergency landing following an audible bang heard while retracting the landing gear during takeoff climb. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced an emergency belly landing after a loud noise occurred during the initial climb phase, resulting in the loss of the airframe.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the flight crew attempted to retract the landing gear. During this procedure, the captain reported hearing a significant loud bang. In response to this event, the pilot decided to abort the climb and return to the airfield for an emergency landing.

As the aircraft descended, it performed a belly landing on the runway surface. The plane continued to slide for approximately 605 meters before exiting the paved area and coming to a stop within a nearby mangrove forest.

Findings

  • There were no injuries reported among the occupants.
  • The aircraft sustained heavy damage and was subsequently written off.
  • A loud bang heard during gear retraction was the primary trigger for the emergency return.

Probable cause

The crew initiated an emergency landing following an audible bang heard while retracting the landing gear during takeoff climb.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 1978 Fairchild-Hiller FH-227 accident near Chub Cay, Bahamas?

An aircraft experienced an emergency belly landing after a loud noise occurred during the initial climb phase, resulting in the loss of the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jul 1978 Fairchild-Hiller FH-227 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 1978 involved a Fairchild-Hiller FH-227, registration C6-BDQ, operated by Bahamasair, at Chub Cay, Bahamas.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew initiated an emergency landing following an audible bang heard while retracting the landing gear during takeoff climb.

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