Junkers Ju 52 excursion during landing

No fatalities • Baiyer River, Papua New Guinea • Landing (descent or approach)

A Junkers Ju 52 veered off the runway and struck an embankment following a landing with a significant tailwind.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the pilot encountered a high tailwind component while approaching the airstrip. Upon making contact with the runway, the Junkers Ju 52 lost directional control and drifted off the paved surface. The aircraft subsequently veered away from the active strip and collided with an embankment.

The force of the impact caused the landing gear to be sheared from the airframe, resulting in the plane coming to rest on its belly. Despite the severity of the excursion, there were no injuries reported among the occupants of the aircraft. However, the structural damage sustained during the collision was so extensive that the aircraft was declared a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the presence of a high tailwind component during the landing sequence.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway after landing with a significant tailwind component.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1959-10-17 Junkers JU.52 accident near Baiyer River, Papua New Guinea?

A Junkers Ju 52 veered off the runway and struck an embankment following a landing with a significant tailwind.

Were there any fatalities in the 1959-10-17 Junkers JU.52 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1959-10-17 involved a Junkers JU.52, registration VH-BUU, operated by Gibbes Sepik Airways, at Baiyer River, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway after landing with a significant tailwind component.

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