Aircraft landing gear failure at Panama City-Tocumen Airport

No fatalities • Panama City-Tocumen, Panama • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a landing gear retraction failure during its approach to Panama City, resulting in a runway excursion and significant airframe damage.

What happened

An aircraft departed from Caracas-Maiquetia-Simon Bolivar Airport and proceeded toward Panama City-Tocumen Airport without any reported issues during the initial stages of the flight. As the flight progressed, the crew began their descent into the destination airport. During the approach phase, the aircraft touched down on the primary runway; however, the landing gear had failed to extend and remained in the retracted position.

Upon contact with the runway surface, the aircraft slid for approximately 987 metres. The incident concluded when the plane came to a stop on the main runway. While the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, the two pilots on board were able to exit the wreckage and were reported to have escaped the accident uninjured.

Findings

  • The aircraft completed its approach and landing with the landing gear still retracted.

Probable cause

The aircraft landed on the runway with its landing gear in the retracted position.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-07-19 Learjet 35 accident near Panama City-Tocumen, Panama?

An aircraft experienced a landing gear retraction failure during its approach to Panama City, resulting in a runway excursion and significant airframe damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 2015-07-19 Learjet 35 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-07-19 involved a Learjet 35, registration YV543T, operated by DIPALCA, at Panama City-Tocumen, Panama.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft landed on the runway with its landing gear in the retracted position.

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