What happened
During the approach phase toward Padang-Tabing Airport, a four-engine aircraft suffered a significant mechanical failure when both wheels on the right main landing gear became detached. The detached components fell onto a watch manufacturing facility situated within the airport's approach path.
In response to the loss of landing gear, the captain initiated an emergency diversion to Medan-Polonia Airport, seeking a runway better equipped for such an incident. Upon arriving at the diversion airport, the crew performed a standard approach; however, because the gear was non-functional, the aircraft performed a belly landing. The aircraft slid for several dozen meters across the runway before coming to a complete stop.
Despite the severity of the landing, all 45 occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without injury. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
Investigations into the incident focused on the sudden detachment of the right main gear assembly. The primary factor identified was the loss of both wheels from the right side of the landing gear for reasons that remained undetermined.