On August 11, 1958, a Lockheed P-2 Neptune (registration 140434) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Ontario, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A malfunction involving a jammed landing gear ski during the takeoff phase led to an unsuccessful emergency landing. 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.
A flight performing an acceptance check at Ontario resulted in the loss of the aircraft following a mechanical failure during takeoff.
What happened
During an acceptance check flight departing from Ontario, a VX-6 experienced a significant mechanical malfunction. Shortly after takeoff, it was determined that a landing gear ski had become jammed. This failure necessitated an immediate emergency descent to return to the airfield.
While the crew attempted to perform an emergency landing just minutes after the initial departure, the aircraft sustained critical damage. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft.
Findings
There were zero fatalities and no injuries reported following the incident.
The primary factor leading to the crash was a jammed landing gear ski.
Probable cause
A malfunction involving a jammed landing gear ski during the takeoff phase led to an unsuccessful emergency landing.