Sierra Leone | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

Due to poor weather conditions in Freetown, the flight was delayed for hours. Finally, the crew was cleared for takeoff from runway 12/30 which is 3,200 metres long. During the takeoff roll, the captain decided to abort for unknown reasons. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran, lost its right main gear and right engine before coming to rest in a grassy area located 100 metres past the runway end. All 127 occupants were rescued, among them 50 passengers were injured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause:

The accident was the consequence of the non-application by the crew of the checklist prior to takeoff and the lack of coordination between the copilot, who was the pilot flying, and the captain.

Crash of an Embraer EMB-110P1 Bandeirante in Freetown

Date & Time: Dec 31, 2002

Type of aircraft:

Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante

Operator:

Inter Tropic Airlines

Registration:

9L-LBR

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Freetown - Freetown

MSN:

110-411

YOM:

1982

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Circumstances:

The aircraft was performing a flight from Freetown-Lungi Airport to Freetown-Hastings located southeast of the capital city. During the night, rebels sabotaged the runway with concrete and steel projectiles. After landing, the right main gear struck several obstructions and was torn off. The aircraft came to rest and was damaged beyond repair while all 16 occupants escaped uninjured. The exact date of the mishap remains unknown, somewhere in 2002.

Crash of a Let L-410UVP in Freetown

Date & Time: Aug 24, 2000 at 1406 LT

Type of aircraft:

Let L-410

Operator:

West Coast Airways

Registration:

9L-LBN

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Positioning

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Freetown - Freetown

MSN:

851334

YOM:

1985

Location:

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Circumstances:

The crew departed Freetown-Lungi Intl Airport on a short positioning flight to Freetown-Hastings Airport. After takeoff, during initial climb, the twin engine aircraft entered clouds at an altitude of about 500 feet. While exiting the clouds, the crew noticed a Mil Mi-8 helicopter flying nearby. His crew was completing a local flight on behalf of the UNO. The crew of the Let attempted an evasive manoeuvre but the rotor of the helicopter struck the base of the aircraft's tail. The crew managed to return for an emergency landing but the undercarriage partially failed upon landing. Both pilots escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The crew of the helicopter was able to land safely.

Probable cause:

It was established that the crew of the Mi-8T helicopter did not pay attention to the radio communication between the controller and the crew of the L-410 aircraft. The crew of the Mi-8T helicopter was distracted because they were talking about the barge that sank on the coast. This barge was located on the left side of the helicopter, while Lungi Airport and the Let L-410 were on the right side.

Crash of an Antonov AN-2 in Kenema: 1 killed

Date & Time: Apr 1, 1995

Type of aircraft:

Antonov AN-2

Operator:

African Air Charter - Sierra Leone

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Location:

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Circumstances:

Shortly after takeoff, the single engine aircraft collided with trees and crashed in a cotton field. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Crash of a Short S.25 Sunderland off Sierra Leone: 9 killed

Date & Time: Aug 17, 1942

Type of aircraft:

Short S.25 Sunderland

Operator:

Registration:

L2158

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Site:

Lake, Sea, Ocean, River

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Circumstances:

The crew was performing a maritime convoy mission off the Sierra Leone coast. En route, the seaplane crashed in unknown circumstances into the sea. All nine crew members were killed.
Crew (204th Squadron):
P/O J. Quinn,
P/O H. Horner,
F/Sgt E. C. G. Jackman,
Sgt J. James,
Sgt K. O'Meara,
Sgt W. A. Davis,
Sgt W. D. Maconnell,
Sgt E. H. Connell,
Sgt D. Stevens.

Crash of a Douglas C-49H in Freetown: 20 killed

Date & Time: Apr 19, 1942

Type of aircraft:

Douglas C-49 (DC-3)

Operator:

Registration:

42-38254

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

MSN:

1993

YOM:

1937

Location:

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Region:

Crew on board:

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Circumstances:

Crashed while taking off from Freetown-Hastings Airport for unknown reason, killing all 20 occupants.

Crash of a Douglas DC-2-120 in Freetown

Date & Time: Sep 7, 1941

Type of aircraft:

Douglas DC-2

Operator:

Registration:

HK867

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

MSN:

1311

YOM:

1934

Location:

Country:

Region:

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Circumstances:

After landing at Hastings Airport, south of Freetown, the airplane went out of control and collided with parked Hurricane registered Z4257. Both airplanes were damaged beyond repair and there were no casualties.