What happened
During a routine local training mission operating out of Giebelstadt Air Base, a four-engine aircraft experienced a significant impact upon touchdown. The force of the hard landing resulted in the separation of the undercarriage and caused both the number three and number four engines on the right side to be torn from the airframe.
Following the structural failure, the aircraft slid along the ground on its belly. The friction or mechanical failure led to the aircraft coming to rest while engulfed in flames. Despite the severity of the impact and the subsequent fire, all four crew members managed to evacuate the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss due to damage exceeding repairable limits.
Findings
- The primary cause of the structural failure was an exceptionally hard landing.
- The impact was severe enough to detach the landing gear and two engines.