What happened
During a supply mission departing from Punta Arenas, an aircraft carrying cargo and multiple passengers and crew members approached Teniente Rodolfo Marsh-Presidently Eduardo Frei Montalva Airport. Upon landing on the snow-covered runway, the right main landing gear failed and collapsed. This structural failure caused the propeller of the fourth engine to detach from the aircraft.
Despite the impact and the loss of the propeller, the aircraft remained on the runway and came to a stop without further significant movement. All individuals on board managed to evacuate the aircraft without any 0 fatalities or injuries reported.
Following the incident, the aircraft was moved to the airport apron to undergo maintenance assessments. However, the damage sustained during the landing led to a decision in early 2017 to decommission the airframe. The aircraft was subsequently scrapped on-site, with the resulting debris being collected in a container and transported back to Brazil.
Findings
- The primary factor in the incident was the collapse of the right main landing gear during the touchdown phase of flight.