Landing gear collapse during touchdown

No fatalities • Philadelphia, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a main landing gear failure upon touchdown, resulting in a runway excursion and significant damage to the airframe.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a structural failure involving one of its main landing gear assemblies. As the plane made contact with the runway, the collapsed gear caused the aircraft to lose stability, leading to a slide across the pavement for several yards.

The incident concluded once the aircraft came to a complete stop on the runway surface. While the event was significant enough to cause substantial damage to the airframe, there were no injuries reported among the 45 occupants on board. Following an assessment of the wreckage, the aircraft was officially classified as a total loss, being declared beyond economical repair.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the collapse of the main landing gear during the landing sequence.

Probable cause

The failure of a main landing gear component during touchdown caused the aircraft to slide along the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1960-01-03 Lockheed L-749 Constellation accident near Philadelphia, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a main landing gear failure upon touchdown, resulting in a runway excursion and significant damage to the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 1960-01-03 Lockheed L-749 Constellation accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1960-01-03 involved a Lockheed L-749 Constellation, registration N110A, operated by Eastern Airlines, at Philadelphia, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of a main landing gear component during touchdown caused the aircraft to slide along the runway.

Loading the flight search…