Aircraft belly landing and fire at Taiyuan-Wuzu Airport

No fatalities • Taiyuan, China • Landing (descent or approach)

A demonstration flight ended in a runway fire at Taiyuan-Wuzu Airport after the crew failed to deploy the landing gear during final approach.

What happened

During a flight intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the aircraft to prospective clients, an incident occurred while approaching Taiyuan-Wuzu Airport. The aircraft was operated with a total of seven people on board, consisting of two pilots and five passengers. As the flight crew prepared for the final approach, a period of confusion within the cockpit led to the omission of the landing gear deployment sequence.

As a result of the undercarriage remaining retracted, the aircraft made contact with the runway surface on its belly. The impact caused the plane to slide for several dozen meters along the runway. During this sequence, the aircraft caught fire, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the failure to lower the undercarriage prior to touchdown.
  • There were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported among the seven occupants.
  • The aircraft was completely destroyed by the subsequent fire.

Probable cause

The crew failed to extend the landing gear during the final approach due to cockpit confusion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-02-22 Learjet 31 accident near Taiyuan, China?

A demonstration flight ended in a runway fire at Taiyuan-Wuzu Airport after the crew failed to deploy the landing gear during final approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-02-22 Learjet 31 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-02-22 involved a Learjet 31, registration N984JD, operated by Learjet Corporation, at Taiyuan, China.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to extend the landing gear during the final approach due to cockpit confusion.

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