Landing gear collapse during arrival at Viracopos Airport

No fatalities • Campinas-Viracopos, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight operating from Miami to Viracopos experienced a left main landing gear failure upon touchdown, resulting in significant aircraft damage but no injuries.

What happened

A non-scheduled cargo flight traveling from Miami International Airport (KMIA) to Viracopos Airport (SBKP) experienced a serious incident during its arrival phase. The flight, which carried a crew of three including two pilots and a mechanic, was executing an IFR ILS Z approach to runway 15. At the time of the landing, meteorological conditions were within visual meteorological limits, with winds recorded at 140 degrees at 19 knots, gusting up to 29 knots.

During the landing sequence, the co-pilot was acting as the pilot flying while the captain served as the pilot monitoring. Upon touchdown, the left main landing gear collapsed. This failure caused the aircraft type/model (not specified in source) to skid along the runway for roughly 800 meters. The aircraft eventually came to a halt within the boundaries of the runway.

Findings

The impact of the gear collapse resulted in substantial damage to the left engine, the left wing, and the left main landing gear assembly. Despite the severity of the structural damage, there were zero fatalities or injuries among the three crew members on board.

Probable cause

The collapse of the left main landing gear upon touchdown caused the aircraft to skid along the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-10-13 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 accident near Campinas-Viracopos, Brazil?

A cargo flight operating from Miami to Viracopos experienced a left main landing gear failure upon touchdown, resulting in significant aircraft damage but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 2012-10-13 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-10-13 involved a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, registration N988AR, operated by Centurion Air Cargo, at Campinas-Viracopos, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the left main landing gear upon touchdown caused the aircraft to skid along the runway.

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