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Belly Landing at Taura AFB After Left Main Gear Warning Light (HC-AZJ)

Taura, EcuadorLanding (descent or approach)

On September 4, 1989, a Lockheed L-188 Electra (registration HC-AZJ) operated by Transportes Aéreos Mercantiles Ecuatorianos - TAME was involved in an aviation accident near Taura, Ecuador during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The bolts on the front gear doors were stuck because of a stuck support rod. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft belly landed at Taura AFB after left main gear warning light remained on post-takeoff from Quito. All 99 occupants escaped uninjured; aircraft damaged beyond repair.

Incident Summary

Following takeoff from Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport, the aircraft's left main gear warning light remained illuminated during climb. The captain decided to divert to Taura Air Force Base for an emergency landing. The aircraft executed a belly landing, sliding for several dozen meters before coming to rest.

Occupant Safety

All 99 occupants on board evacuated the aircraft without injury.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the bolts on the front gear doors were stuck because of a stuck support rod.

Maintenance error

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Sept 1989 Lockheed L-188 Electra accident near Taura, Ecuador?

Aircraft belly landed at Taura AFB after left main gear warning light remained on post-takeoff from Quito. All 99 occupants escaped uninjured; aircraft damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Sept 1989 Lockheed L-188 Electra accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Sept 1989 involved a Lockheed L-188 Electra, registration HC-AZJ, operated by Transportes Aéreos Mercantiles Ecuatorianos - TAME, at Taura, Ecuador.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The bolts on the front gear doors were stuck because of a stuck support rod.

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