Super DC-3 (R4D) crash landing at Anchorage
Your only going one way if it doesn’t feather, and that’s down! Not many options if it all goes pear shaped with a prop that won’t feather and your low at any weight. Height and time to prepare are critical, looks like theses guys didn’t get much of it. Good outcome.
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Your only going one way if it doesn’t feather, and that’s down!

Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: ireland
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To my mind this crew displayed equal or better flying skills than Capt Sullenberger & F/O Skyles,
If only it was not a small little cargo flight in Alaska!!!
Exceptional ability on so many levels…..
end of story 👍✈️
If only it was not a small little cargo flight in Alaska!!!
Exceptional ability on so many levels…..
end of story 👍✈️
I guess they (correctly) judged that they would be scraping over the obstacles at the start of the runway anyway, adding drag to that situation is not something I would recommend. Also, the DC-3 family is equipped to handle gear up touchdowns with a minimum of structural damage, so it is a relatively safe option to choose.
This accident bears comparison with the B-17 where the crew put the gear down,and then failed to use the other cross runway.In this case with only one hydraulic pump,it would take longer for the gear to come down evenly and lock,leading to a possible collapse on landing,loss of control,etc,and the extra drag as well..Same with the flaps...If crashing is inevitable,fly it under control as long as you can,never give up...
Brilliant bit of airmanship by the crew.....!
Brilliant bit of airmanship by the crew.....!