Landing gear failure and runway excursion at Rurrenabaque

No fatalities • La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft diverted to La Paz after experiencing landing gear malfunctions, resulting in a runway excursion and significant airframe damage.

What happened

Following a routine flight departing from San Borja, the crew of the aircraft encountered technical difficulties while approaching Rurrenabaque. During the approach phase, the flight crew observed that the landing gear had failed to reach the locked position, as indicated by the absence of all three green lights on the cockpit instrumentation panel.

Due to this malfunction, the Captain elected to divert the flight to La Paz-El Alto Airport. Prior to the arrival, emergency responders were notified of the situation. Upon landing at the diversion airport, the left main landing gear collapsed under the weight of the aircraft. This caused the plane to veer toward the left side of the runway, eventually coming to a stop in a nearby grassy field.

Findings

  • The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
  • All eight occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft without any injuries.
  • The primary issue involved the failure of the landing gear to lock into the down position.

Probable cause

The landing gear failed to lock into the down position, leading to a gear collapse upon touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-02-27 Swearingen SA227 Metro III accident near La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia?

An aircraft diverted to La Paz after experiencing landing gear malfunctions, resulting in a runway excursion and significant airframe damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 2011-02-27 Swearingen SA227 Metro III accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-02-27 involved a Swearingen SA227 Metro III, registration CP-2473, operated by Línea Aérea Amaszonas, at La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The landing gear failed to lock into the down position, leading to a gear collapse upon touchdown.

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