No fatalities

Landing gear collapse at Luqa Airport (WX547)

Luqa, MaltaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 13, 1956, a Lockheed P-2 Neptune (registration WX547) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Luqa, Malta during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The landing gear failed structurally during the touchdown process. 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 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure during its arrival at Luqa Airport, resulting in significant damage to the airframe.

What happened

During an arrival at Luqa Airport, an aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving its undercarriage. As the plane was touching down, the landing gear collapsed, preventing a standard landing sequence. The impact of the collapse caused extensive structural damage to the aircraft, rendering it a total loss.

Despite the severity of the equipment failure and the subsequent damage to the airframe, there were no injuries reported among the occupants or ground personnel involved in the incident.

Findings

Official investigations into the event concluded that the primary factor in the accident was the collapse of the undercarriage during the landing phase.

Probable cause

The landing gear failed structurally during the touchdown process.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jan 1956 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident near Luqa, Malta?

An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure during its arrival at Luqa Airport, resulting in significant damage to the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jan 1956 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jan 1956 involved a Lockheed P-2 Neptune, registration WX547, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Luqa, Malta.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The landing gear failed structurally during the touchdown process.