December 22, 1969AccidentHull loss
While approaching Nha Trang on a flight from Saigon, the pilot informed ATC about an explosion on board and that control was heavy. The hydraulic system failed so the undercarriage must be lowered manually. The captain decided to perform a low pass over the runway to check the landing gear with ATC. That made, the crew completed a nose high and flapless landing shortly later. After touchdown just over the threshold, the crew activated the reverse thrust systems when the airplane became airborne.
Douglas DC-6 · 34 fatalities