What happened
On December 25, 2003, a Boeing 727-223, registration 3X-GDO, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Conakry, Guinea, to Dubai, UAE, with a technical stop at Coton and Cadjèhoun Airport in Benin. During the boarding process in Cotonou, the aircraft was subject to disorganized passenger and baggage loading.
As the aircraft prepared for departure, the crew was managing a significant amount of carry-on luggage. During the takeoff roll on runway 24, the aircraft was unable to achieve its normal climb gradient. The aircraft struck a technical building located 118 meters beyond the runway end, subsequently crashed onto the beach, and finally came to rest in the ocean.
The investigation
The technical investigation was conducted by the French BEA at the request of the Beninese government. The investigation focused on the aircraft's performance, the loading procedures, and the weight and balance of the aircraft. Investigators examined the flight recorders, wreckage, and cockpit communications. The inquiry also looked into the regulatory oversight of the operator, Union des Transports Africains (UTA), and the complexities involved in obtaining accurate flight documentation and information from local authorities during the initial stages of the investigation.
Findings
- The aircraft was overweight due to an uncontrolled and disorganized loading of passengers and baggage.
- The takeoff performance was insufficient to maintain the required climb gradient due to the excessive weight.
- There was significant confusion during the embarkation of passengers and the loading of luggage at Cotonou.
- The aircraft struck a technical structure at the end of the runway before impacting the water.