On January 30, 1989, a Learjet 23 (registration F-GDAV) was involved in an aviation accident near Lisbon-Portela de Sacavém, Portugal during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the landing gear failure is currently unknown. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft performed an emergency belly landing at Lisbon-Portela de Sacavém Airport, resulting in the total loss of the airframe but no injuries to the crew.
What happened
An incident involving a twin-engine aircraft occurred at Lisbon-Portela de Sacavém Airport when the plane performed an emergency landing on its undercarriage. During the approach and landing phase, the aircraft failed to deploy its landing gear, resulting in a belly landing on the runway. Following the impact with the pavement, the aircraft slid for several dozen meters before coming to a complete stop.
There were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported among the two pilots on board. While the crew escaped the incident safely, the structural damage sustained during the landing was severe. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss, as it was damaged beyond repair.
Findings
The specific reason for the landing gear failure remains undetermined at this time. No external factors or mechanical malfunctions were explicitly identified in the initial report regarding why the gear was not extended prior to touchdown.
Probable cause
The cause of the landing gear failure is currently unknown.
