Engine fire and gear collapse during training flight

No fatalities • Wilmington-New Castle County, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft sustained significant damage following an engine fire and subsequent landing gear failure during a local training mission.

What happened

During a routine local training flight, the aircraft experienced a mechanical emergency while on final approach. The left engine ignited, resulting in an active fire. Despite the ongoing combustion, the pilot-in-command proceeded with the landing sequence.

Upon making contact with the runway, the left main landing gear failed and collapsed under the weight of the plane. This structural failure caused the aircraft to slide across the ground for a distance of several yards before finally coming to a halt. The impact and subsequent slide resulted in the aircraft being destroyed beyond repair.

Findings

  • There were one fatality/injury recorded, specifically an instructor who sustained a broken leg.
  • The other two crew members on board escaped without injuries.
  • The primary sequence of events involved an engine fire during the approach phase followed by a structural failure of the landing gear upon touchdown.

Probable cause

An engine fire during the final approach led to the collapse of the left main landing gear at the moment of touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1955-11-14 Martin 202 accident near Wilmington-New Castle County, United States of America?

An aircraft sustained significant damage following an engine fire and subsequent landing gear failure during a local training mission.

Were there any fatalities in the 1955-11-14 Martin 202 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1955-11-14 involved a Martin 202, registration N172A, operated by Allegheny Airlines, at Wilmington-New Castle County, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An engine fire during the final approach led to the collapse of the left main landing gear at the moment of touchdown.

Loading the flight search…