Crash of a Boeing 737-322 in Lubumbashi

Date & Time: Mar 4, 2018 at 1201 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
9S-ASG
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Kinshasa – Lubumbashi
MSN:
24378/1704
YOM:
1989
Region:
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
18700
Captain / Total hours on type:
1100.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
7400
Copilot / Total hours on type:
710
Aircraft flight hours:
61721
Aircraft flight cycles:
36555
Circumstances:
The airplane departed Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport on a cargo flight to Lubumbashi, carrying five crew members and one passenger. Following an uneventful flight, the crew was cleared to descend and to land at Lubumbashi-Luano Airport. After landing on runway 07, the crew started the braking procedure. At a speed of 80 knots, the aircraft deviated to the left. It veered off runway and while contacting soft ground, the nose gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest in a grassy area along the left shoulder of the runway after a course of about 200 metres. All six occupants evacuated safely and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
The following factors were identified:
- Reduction of simulator training hours for economic reasons for someone who has never performed the duties of controlling an aircraft on the ground.
- The runway shoulders at Lubumbashi (Luano) do not have the same characteristics with regard to strength (see Annex 14 and Document 9157 Part 3).
In conclusion, the actions taken on the rudder before it became ineffective must have been the cause of the aircraft's deviation from the runway centreline and the loss of control of the aircraft (LOC-G).
Final Report:

Crash of a Gulfstream G200 in Abuja

Date & Time: Jan 29, 2018 at 1520 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5N-BTF
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Lagos - Abuja
MSN:
180
YOM:
2007
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5300
Captain / Total hours on type:
280.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
5700
Copilot / Total hours on type:
93
Aircraft flight hours:
1421
Aircraft flight cycles:
921
Circumstances:
On 25th January 2018 at 14:28 h, a Gulfstream 200 (G200) aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-BTF operated by Nestoil Plc, departed Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos (DNMM) as a charter flight to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (DNAA) on an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan. Onboard were four passengers and three flight crew members. The Pilot in command (PIC) was the Pilot Monitoring (PM) and the Co-pilot was the Pilot Flying (PF). The departure, cruise and approach to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport were normal. At 14:45 h, 5N-BTF contacted Abuja radar and was subsequently cleared for Radar vectors ILS approach Runway 22. Abuja Airport Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) Papa for time 14:20 h was monitored as follows; “Main landing runway 22, wind 110/07 kt, Visibility 3,500 m in Haze, No Significant Clouds, Temperature/Dew point 33/- 01°C, QNH 1010 hPa, Trend No Significant Change, End of Information Papa”. At 15:17 h, 5N-BTF reported 4 NM on Instrument approach (ILS) and was requested to report 2 NM because there was a preceding aircraft (Gulfstream 5) on landing roll. Thereafter, 5N-BTF was cleared to land runway 22 with reported wind of 070°/07 kt. At 15:18 h, the aircraft touched down slightly left of the runway centre line. According to the PF, in the process of controlling the aircraft to the centre line, the aircraft skidded left and right and eventually went partly off the runway to the right where it came to a stop. In his report, the PM stated that on touchdown, he noticed the aircraft oscillating left and right as brakes were applied. The oscillation continued to increase and [the aircraft] eventually went off the runway to the right where the aircraft came to a stop, partially on the runway. During the post-crash inspection, the investigation determined that the skid marks on the runway indicated that the aircraft steered in an S-pattern continuously with increasing amplitude, down the runway. On the last right turn, the aircraft exited the right shoulderof the runway, the right main wheel went into the grass and on the final left turn, the right main landing gear strut detached from its main attachment point after which the aircraft finally came to a complete stop on a magnetic heading of 160°. The ATC immediately notified the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Approach Radar Control, and other relevant agencies about the occurrence. All persons on board disembarked with no injuries. Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) prevailed at the time of the occurrence. The serious incident occcurred in daylight.
Probable cause:
Causal Factor:
The use of improper directional control techniques to maintain the aircraft on the runway.
Contributory Factor:
Improper coordination in taking over control of the aircraft by the PM which was inconsistent with Nestoil SOP.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in Akobo: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 7, 2018 at 1645 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5Y-FDC
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Akobo – Juba
MSN:
208B-1280
YOM:
2007
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
In unclear circumstances, the single engine aircraft crashed while taking off from Akobo Airstrip. It struck a house and several cows before coming to rest, bursting into flames. One person on the ground was killed while all 11 occupants escaped uninjured. The aircraft was totally destroyed by a post crash fire.

Crash of a Cessna (DMI) Falcon 402 on Bazaruto Island

Date & Time: Jan 2, 2018 at 1145 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
ZU-MDI
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Bazaruto Island - Vilanculos
MSN:
402B-0207
YOM:
1972
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3291
Captain / Total hours on type:
215.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1068
Circumstances:
The single engine airplane was departing Bazaruto Island on a flight to Vilanculos, carrying six passengers and one pilot. During the takeoff roll on runway 20, after a course of about 400 metres, the aircraft started to veer to the left, departed the runway despite successive attempt to correct the flight trajectory. The aircraft crashed into bushed and came to rest in the opposite direction of the takeoff, some 60 metres from the runway centerline.
Probable cause:
The most likely cause of this accident was human failure. The following contributing factors were identified:
- The fact that the pilot has exceeded the aircraft's capacity from 8 (1+7) to 10 (1+9), associated with prevailing meteorological conditions, may have influenced the attitude of the aircraft during take-off.
- The fact that the pilot did not properly follow the pre-flight procedures, given the hurry he showed at departure and being distracted at the time of the pre-flight inspection may have contributed to forgetting to remove the lock) of the Vertical Stabilizer.
- The fact that the pilot probably did not remove the Lock of the Vertical Stabilizer caused it to remain fixed in its position and could not give the directional control to the aircraft.
Final Report:

Crash of a Raytheon 390 Premier I in Johannesburg

Date & Time: Nov 22, 2017 at 1623 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
ZS-CBI
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Cape Town - Johannesburg
MSN:
RB-214
YOM:
2007
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3048
Captain / Total hours on type:
649.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
4718
Copilot / Total hours on type:
305
Aircraft flight hours:
963
Circumstances:
On 22 November 2017, the pilot-in-command (PIC) accompanied by the first officer (FO) took off from the Cape Town International Airport (FACT) on a private flight to the Rand Airport (FAGM). The flight was conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR) by day and the approach was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR). The PIC was the pilot flying (PF) and was seated on the left seat and the FO was occupying the right seat. The air traffic controller (ATC) on duty at FAGM tower stated that the FO reported in-bound for a fullstop landing at FAGM. The last wind direction data for Runway 29 was transmitted to the FO as 230°/11 knots (kts) and Query Nautical Height (QNH): 1021. The FO acknowledged the transmission and the crew elected to land on Runway 11. The PIC stated that the approach for landing was stable and that the touchdown was near the first taxiway exit point. According to the FO, the aircraft floated for a while before touchdown. This was confirmed during the investigation. During the landing rollout, the PIC applied the brakes and the brakes responded for a short while, however, the aircraft continued to roll without slowing down. At approximately 300 metres (m) beyond the intersection of Runway 35 and Runway 11, the PIC requested the FO to apply emergency brakes. The FO applied the emergency brakes gradually and the aircraft continued to roll before the brakes locked and the tyres burst. The aircraft skidded on the main wheels and continued for approximately 180m until it overshot the runway. The undercarriage went over a ditch of approximately 200 millimetres in depth at the end of the runway into the soft ground and the aircraft came to a stop approximately 10m from the threshold facing slightly left off the extended centre line Runway 11. The aircraft was substantially damaged during the impact sequence and none of the occupants sustained injuries. The crash alarm was activated by the tower and the fire services responded to the scene.
Probable cause:
The investigation revealed that the aircraft was unstable on approach (hot and high), resulting in deep landing, probably near the second exit point, leading to a runway excursion. Contributing factors were attributed to the lift dumps not being deployed and the incorrect application of the emergency brakes.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in Empakaai Camp: 11 killed

Date & Time: Nov 15, 2017 at 1113 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5H-EGG
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
MSN:
208B-0476
YOM:
1995
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
10
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
11
Circumstances:
The single engine airplane departed Arusha Airport on a charter flight to the Serengeti National Park, carrying 10 tourists and one pilot. While flying in marginal weather conditions, the aircraft impacted hilly terrain near Empakaai Camp and was destroyed upon impact. All 11 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain.

Crash of a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in Lobo

Date & Time: Oct 25, 2017 at 1430 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5H-THR
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Lake Manyara - Lobo
MSN:
208B-0571
YOM:
1996
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
10
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
After touchdown at Lobo Airstrip deserving the Lobo Wildlife Lodge located in the Serengeti National park, the single engine aircraft went out of control, veered off runway to the left and came to rest against a tree. The pilot and two passengers were injured while eight other occupants were unhurt. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. There was no fire.

Crash of an Antonov AN-26-100 off Abidjan: 4 killed

Date & Time: Oct 14, 2017 at 0823 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
ER-AVB
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Ouagadougou – Abidjan
MSN:
32 04
YOM:
1975
Flight number:
Kondor 26
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
23766
Captain / Total hours on type:
10133.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
2250
Copilot / Total hours on type:
2080
Circumstances:
The airplane departed Ouagadougou on a flight to Abidjan, carrying seven passengers, three crew members and military equipment on behalf of the French Army (antiterrorist operation 'Barkhane'). On approach to Abidjan-Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport, the crew encountered poor visibility due to heavy rain falls. On short final, the aircraft descended below MDA, impacted water and crashed in the sea few hundred metres short of runway 03. Six occupants were rescued while four others including all three crew members were killed. The aircraft was destroyed. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were below minimums.
Probable cause:
The probable cause of this accident is the continuation of the approach below minimums without having established formal visual contact with runway references and without adequate monitoring of the aircraft's glide path. The rigorous application of the company SOPs should have necessarily led to a go-around.
The following factors contributed to the accident:
- Underestimation of adverse weather conditions below minimums;
- A lack of knowledge of the environment of Abidjan airport and insufficient awareness of the aircraft's vertical position;
- Inadequate monitoring of aircraft instruments and flight path (altitude and speed) in degraded weather conditions;
- A high workload due to continued final approach training and distraction from tasks not related to flight operations;
- Disabling EGPWS audible alerts due to unwanted alarms;
- Crew resource management (CRM) probably unbalanced by the authority of the PNF over the rest of the crew.
- Strict non-compliance with company SOPs.
Final Report:

Crash of an Embraer EMB-120RT Brasília near Cuilo: 7 killed

Date & Time: Oct 12, 2017 at 1715 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
D2-FDO
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Dundo – Luanda
MSN:
120-082
YOM:
1988
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Dundo Airport at 1658LT on an ambulance flight to Luanda, carrying three doctors, one patient from South Africa and three crew members. About 15 minutes into the flight, the crew reported engine problems when one of them caught fire shortly later. The airplane went out of control and crashed in an open field located near Cuilo, about 170 km southwest of Dundo. All seven occupants were killed.

Crash of an Antonov AN-12B near Kinshasa: 12 killed

Date & Time: Sep 30, 2017 at 0730 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
EX-001
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Kinshasa – Bukavu
MSN:
5 3 436 06
YOM:
1965
Region:
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
12
Circumstances:
The four engine aircraft departed Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport on a flight to Bukavu, carrying ammunition and two vehicles. Few minutes after takeoff, the crew reported technical problems and was cleared for an immediate return. Shortly later, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a prairie located in Nsele, about 20 km northeast of the airport, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all 12 occupants were killed.