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Hard Landing at Slave Creek Airport Leads to Gear Collapse and Aircraft Loss (N70DA)

Slate Creek, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 15, 1981, a Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant (registration N70DA) operated by Gifford Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Slate Creek, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Hard landing, gear collapsed and subsequent crash caused by an improper level off on part of the pilot-in-command. The following contributing factors were reported: - Improper recovery from bounced landing, - Overload failure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane landed hard at Slave Creek Airport, bouncing and tearing off its undercarriage. Both pilots were uninjured. The aircraft was written off.

Incident Overview

A twin-engine airplane experienced a hard landing at Slave Creek Airport. The aircraft touched down heavily and bounced upon impact. During the landing, the undercarriage was torn off from the structure. The airplane subsequently came to rest on the runway. Both pilots onboard were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage and was written off.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation into the incident determined the probable cause to be a hard landing that resulted in the gear collapsing and subsequent crash. This was attributed to an improper level off by the pilot-in-command. Additionally, contributing factors were reported: improper recovery from a bounced landing and overload failure.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 May 1981 Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant accident near Slate Creek, United States of America?

A twin-engine airplane landed hard at Slave Creek Airport, bouncing and tearing off its undercarriage. Both pilots were uninjured. The aircraft was written off.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 May 1981 Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 May 1981 involved a Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant, registration N70DA, operated by Gifford Aviation, at Slate Creek, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Hard landing, gear collapsed and subsequent crash caused by an improper level off on part of the pilot-in-command. The following contributing factors were reported: - Improper recovery from bounced landing, - Overload failure.

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