What happened
A cargo operation departing from Khartoum at 0555LT experienced a rapid succession of mechanical failures while en route to Juba. During the cruise phase at FL170, the aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions, at which point the number 1 engine ceased functioning. This was followed closely by the failure of the number 3 engine one minute later, and the number 4 engine failed approximately 40 seconds after that.
Following the loss of multiple engines, the aircraft began a rapid descent at a rate of 3,450 feet per minute. Within three minutes and 40 seconds of the initial engine failure, the aircraft had descended to 800 feet. Upon reaching 600 feet, the crew attempted to stabilize the flight and perform restart procedures on the three remaining engines, but these efforts failed.
Due to the low altitude, the aircraft type struck trees and lost its left stabilizer. The impact occurred in a prairie approximately 264 meters beyond the initial contact point, resulting in a post-crash fire. Of the 8 crew members on board, 7 fatalities were recorded, while one crew member was successfully rescued.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered multiple engine failures in quick succession during flight.
- Adverse weather conditions were present during the cruise phase.
- Attempted engine restarts were unsuccessful at low altitude.