Hydraulic failure and emergency landing at Bogotá-El Dorado Airport

No fatalities • Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a major hydraulic system failure during its initial climb from Bogotá, resulting in an emergency return and a gear-up landing.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure from Bogotá-El Dorado Airport, the crew of the aircraft experienced a sudden loud noise originating from the rear of the cabin. This was immediately followed by the activation of various warning lights on the cockpit instrument panel. The captain subsequently notified Air Traffic Control to declare an emergency situation.

In response to the emergency, the pilot was cleared to return to the airport. During the descent and approach, the aircraft suffered a significant failure within its hydraulic system, which also led to a loss of cabin pressure. As the flight progressed toward runway 12, it became evident that the left main landing gear had failed to extend and remained in the retracted position.

The landing was executed with the left main gear up. Upon touchdown, the aircraft slid along its left belly and subsequently veered off the left side of the runway, eventually coming to a stop against an earthen bank.

Findings

  • The primary issue involved a failure of the hydraulic system following an audible event in the rear cabin.
  • This hydraulic malfunction resulted in the inability to extend the left main landing gear and caused a subsequent loss of cabin pressure.
  • There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries among the 57 occupants on board.
  • The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Probable cause

A failure in the hydraulic system led to the retraction of the left main gear and a loss of cabin pressure during the emergency return.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-07-20 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident near Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia?

An aircraft experienced a major hydraulic system failure during its initial climb from Bogotá, resulting in an emergency return and a gear-up landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-07-20 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-07-20 involved a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle, registration HK-1778, operated by Aerotal Colombia - Aerolineas Territoriales de Colombia, at Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A failure in the hydraulic system led to the retraction of the left main gear and a loss of cabin pressure during the emergency return.

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