On July 19, 2015, a Learjet 35 (registration YV543T) operated by DIPALCA was involved in an aviation accident near Panama City-Tocumen, Panama during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The reason the aircraft landed without the landing gear deployed is attributed to human error for not having activated the deployment lever, and for failing to observe the frequency and transit lights of the deployment and confirm their locking. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft landed with landing gear retracted after an uneventful flight from Caracas, sliding 987 meters. Both pilots escaped uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Incident
An aircraft arriving from Caracas-Maiquetia-Simon Bolivar Airport conducted an uneventful flight before initiating descent to Panama City-Tocumen Airport. After a normal approach, the airplane touched down with the landing gear still retracted. It slid for a distance of 987 meters before coming to rest on the main runway. Both pilots escaped uninjured. The airplane sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the reason the aircraft landed without the landing gear deployed is attributed to human error for not having activated the deployment lever, and for failing to observe the frequency and transit lights of the deployment and confirm their locking.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Jul 2015 Learjet 35 accident near Panama City-Tocumen, Panama?
An aircraft landed with landing gear retracted after an uneventful flight from Caracas, sliding 987 meters. Both pilots escaped uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jul 2015 Learjet 35 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jul 2015 involved a Learjet 35, registration YV543T, operated by DIPALCA, at Panama City-Tocumen, Panama.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The reason the aircraft landed without the landing gear deployed is attributed to human error for not having activated the deployment lever, and for failing to observe the frequency and transit lights of the deployment and confirm their locking.
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