Problem

What Actually Happens

Real Examples & References

1

Aircraft tipping over or falling off jacks

Strong lateral shaking lifts one wing and tips the plane onto its tail, wingtip, or nose.

27 Feb 2010 Chile earthquake (8.8 Mw): At Santiago Airport, a brand-new LAN Airbus A320 tipped onto its tail while parked.

2011 Christchurch earthquake: Several light aircraft flipped upside-down at Christchurch Airport.

2

Collision between parked aircraft

Planes slide or roll into each other because parking brakes are not designed for seismic forces.

11 March 2011 Tōhoku earthquake (Japan): At Sendai Airport, several Japan Self-Defense Force helicopters and light planes collided and were severely damaged even before the tsunami arrived.

3

Structural damage from falling objects inside hangars

Tools, cranes, shelves, ceiling panels collapse onto aircraft.

1994 Northridge earthquake (Los Angeles): Many private jets and helicopters inside Van Nuys Airport hangars were crushed by collapsed roofs and falling maintenance platforms.

4

Landing-gear collapse or shock-strut failure

Sudden vertical or lateral acceleration exceeds the design limits of the landing gear.

2016 Kaikōura earthquake (New Zealand): A RNZAF NH90 helicopter’s landing gear partially collapsed while on the ground at Kaikōura airfield.

5

Fuel and hydraulic leaks / fires

Fuel lines, hydraulic hoses, or tanks rupture; sparks from broken electrical lines can ignite leaks.

1995 Kobe earthquake: Several JASDF helicopters at a base caught fire after fuel leaks ignited.

6

Damage to aircraft on jacks or in maintenance

Planes being serviced are especially vulnerable because they are raised and unbalanced.

2010 Chile earthquake: Two Boeing 737s under heavy maintenance in Santiago fell off their jacks and suffered major fuselage wrinkles.

7

Runway and taxiway cracks → aircraft stuck or damaged wheels

Aircraft can get stuck in new fissures or break wheels/tyres.

2001 Gujarat earthquake (India): Indian Air Force planes at Bhuj airfield had tyres burst and rims bent because of runway cracks.