On November 3, 2003, an Antonov AN-12 (registration EK-11997) operated by Sarit Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Geneina, Sudan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to monitor and maintain the necessary altitude during the final approach to the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft sustained significant damage after striking the ground short of the runway threshold during its final approach to Geneina Airport.
What happened
During the final approach phase at Geneina Airport, the aircraft struck the ground approximately eight metres before reaching the runway threshold. This impact occurred because the crew did not recognize that the aircraft was operating at an insufficient altitude.
Upon hitting the terrain, the impact caused the undercarriage to be ripped from the airframe. The aircraft then continued to slide across the surface for a distance of roughly 800 metres before finally coming to a stop.
Findings
The primary factor in the accident was the crew's failure to maintain adequate altitude during the approach.
There were no injuries reported among the five crew members on board.
The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Probable cause
The crew failed to monitor and maintain the necessary altitude during the final approach to the runway.