Landing gear collapse during approach to Damascus Airport

No fatalities • Damascus, Syria • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a right main landing gear failure upon touchdown at Damascus Airport, resulting in significant damage but no injuries.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward Damascus Airport, the flight crew began performing necessary checklists. During this process, they observed that the three green indicators, which signify that the undercarriage is properly deployed, were not illuminated. To ensure safety, the captain contacted the air traffic controller in the tower to verify the status of the landing gear. The controller confirmed that all three components of the gear appeared to be in the down position.

Upon making contact with the runway, the right main landing gear collapsed. This failure caused the aircraft type unnamed (implied single-unit) to slide across the tarmac for a distance of several yards before the movement ceased. While there were no injuries reported among the 22 occupants, the incident resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss due to damage sustained during the slide.

Findings

Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor was the failure of the right main gear upon landing. Although the gear appeared to be extended, it had not properly locked into place, leading to its collapse under the weight of the aircraft during touchdown.

Probable cause

The right main landing gear failed to lock into position despite appearing to be deployed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1954-04-24 SNCASE SE.161 Languedoc accident near Damascus, Syria?

An aircraft experienced a right main landing gear failure upon touchdown at Damascus Airport, resulting in significant damage but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1954-04-24 SNCASE SE.161 Languedoc accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1954-04-24 involved a SNCASE SE.161 Languedoc, registration SU-AHZ, operated by Misrair, at Damascus, Syria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The right main landing gear failed to lock into position despite appearing to be deployed.

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