November 1983
Copyright © - Paul Minert
This aircraft took off from Panama on 9 March 1990. When it did the right main
gear fell out. The main strut had broken on landing in Panama.
The aircraft flew to
Fort Benning to attempt drop the cargo in flight. However,
the pallets near the ramp jammed and the cargo couldn't be air-dropped. The
aircraft had several civilian passengers including a small child. Since Robins
was the depot for the C-141 the aircraft was routed to land there.
It flew over the
Atlantic and dumped as much fuel as possible, and then made
several fly-bys prior to landing. With all emergency personnel in place the crew
began the approach. The landing looked normal with the exception that the right
gear was missing.
The pilot did an outstanding job keeping the right wing up until
the aircraft was
almost stopped. The picture below shows the aircraft as it was going down the
runway just before it stopped. The wing tip of the right wing never touched the
ground. It landed at approximately 1700 9 March.
I was a C-141 aircraft supervisor and one of the first on the scene. Very shortly
after the aircraft stopped the crew ladder came down and a woman holding a small
child exited. Then the other civilians and the crew then disembarked.
The fire
department at this time was extinguishing a small fire on the #4 engine.
The
aircraft was jacked and a temporary gear was installed, and it towed off the
runway at 0100 10 March. The damage was mainly to the #4 engine and the right
1058 frame.
The aircraft was repaired at Robins and returned to service in about 3
months.
Robert Collins
At AMARG-10/5/2004
Copyright © - Phil Kovaric