No fatalities

1960-03-08: Handley Page H.P.81 Hermes (G-ALDH) — Skyways of London — London-Heathrow, United Kingdom

London-Heathrow, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On March 8, 1960, a Handley Page H.P.81 Hermes (registration G-ALDH) operated by Skyways of London was involved in an aviation accident near London-Heathrow, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right main landing gear failed due to fatigue during the landing process. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781246733Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft experienced a right main landing gear failure during its arrival at Heathrow, resulting in a runway excursion and heavy damage.

What happened

During the landing phase at Heathrow Airport, a four-engine aircraft suffered a structural failure of its right main landing gear. The collapse occurred as the plane touched down on the runway, causing the aircraft to lose stability and skid along the pavement before eventually coming to a stop.

Despite the severity of the incident, there were no injuries reported among the six crew members on board. However, the impact and subsequent sliding caused extensive damage to the airframe, rendering the aircraft a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the collapse was triggered by the failure of the right main landing gear assembly. The primary factor identified in this mechanical failure was metal fatigue within the gear components.

Probable cause

The right main landing gear failed due to fatigue during the landing process.