On July 16, 1967, a twin-engine charter aircraft skidded to a stop at the Grand Forks International Airport after its landing gear collapsed during its landing approach. All nine individuals on board, including eight men and a boy, emerged uninjured from the incident. The aircraft was returning to Minneapolis from a fishing trip in Canada when the accident occurred around 15:30 local time.
The plane, operated by Crystal Shamrock Inc., was making a southbound approach on the airport’s north-south runway when it experienced a failure of its landing gear. The aircraft remained upright as it skidded on its underside, coming to a halt approximately six blocks west of the airport’s administration building.
Upon landing, the cockpit filled with smoke, prompting quick action from airport personnel who arrived with fire extinguishers. Fortunately, the smoke cleared before any serious concerns arose. Norman Midboe, the airport manager, confirmed that the pilot, Lee Gilligan, a veteran commercial pilot from Minneapolis, was in command at the time of the incident.
Passengers evacuated the aircraft swiftly, retrieving their belongings as they exited. While the identities of the passengers were not disclosed, Midboe reported that they were later transported on two special charter flights to continue their journey.
In the aftermath of the incident, a large crane from the Grand Forks Air Force Base was utilized to lift the damaged aircraft from the runway. Midboe expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Air Force Base, particularly acknowledging Maj. Donald L. Peck, the Transport Squadron commander.
Damage to the aircraft extended beyond the landing gear failure, with two propellers bent and other sections of the plane’s underside scraped. An investigation into the cause of the landing gear collapse is currently underway, as officials seek to determine the factors that led to this potentially dangerous situation.
Although the incident raised concerns, the effective response from emergency personnel and the lack of injuries among passengers demonstrate the importance of prompt action in aviation emergencies.