What happened
During a scheduled calibration mission at Tachikawa AFB in Tokyo, an aircraft experienced a significant mechanical failure during its landing sequence. As the aircraft made contact with the runway, the undercarriage failed and collapsed. This caused the plane to slide across the runway surface for several yards before the movement ceased.
There were five crew members on board at the time of the incident. While the impact and subsequent slide were substantial, no injuries were reported among the personnel. However, the structural damage sustained by the aircraft was so extensive that it was declared a total loss.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several critical issues regarding both mechanical integrity and operational execution. The aircraft was operating under emergency conditions due to a hydraulic leak, which resulted in an engine-out scenario with no boost available during the approach.
Key contributing factors included:
- A failure by the pilot-in-command to properly manage or utilize miscellaneous equipment due to a lack of familiarity with the aircraft.
- Improper execution of level-off procedures during the flight.
- Incorrect use of the braking system and/or flight controls.
- Significant issues within the hydraulic systems, including leaks in lines, fittings, reservoirs, and the boost systems.
- Failure to follow established emergency procedures.
- Unresolved mechanical discrepancies suspected prior to or during the event.