No fatalities

Aircraft belly landing and fire at Barbers Point NAS (152733)

Barbers Point NAS, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 17, 1983, a Lockheed P-3 Orion (registration 152733) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Barbers Point NAS, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the landing gear failure or the circumstances leading to the belly landing are currently unknown. 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 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft sustained heavy damage after performing a belly landing and subsequent runway excursion at Barbers Point Naval Air Station.

What happened

During an arrival at Barbers Point Naval Air Station, a four-engine airplane experienced an undocumented failure that resulted in the aircraft contacting the ground on its undercarriage. The impact caused the plane to land on its belly, initiating a slide across the runway surface for several dozen yards.

Following the initial slide, the aircraft veered off the active runway and came to a stop. Upon reaching its final position, the airframe ignited, resulting in a post-crash fire. Despite the intensity of the flames, there were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported among the occupants. The aircraft sustained damage so extensive that it was declared a total loss.

Findings

The specific reason for the landing gear failure or the cause of the belly landing remains undetermined at this time.

Probable cause

The cause of the landing gear failure or the circumstances leading to the belly landing are currently unknown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 May 1983 Lockheed P-3 Orion accident near Barbers Point NAS, United States of America?

A four-engine aircraft sustained heavy damage after performing a belly landing and subsequent runway excursion at Barbers Point Naval Air Station.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 May 1983 Lockheed P-3 Orion accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 May 1983 involved a Lockheed P-3 Orion, registration 152733, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Barbers Point NAS, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the landing gear failure or the circumstances leading to the belly landing are currently unknown.