On February 15, 2002, an Antonov AN-12 (registration ER-ADL) operated by Tiramavia was involved in an aviation accident near Monrovia-Roberts, Liberia during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot attempted an emergency landing in a field after determining the aircraft could not reach the airport due to technical malfunctions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft performing an emergency descent near Monrovia-Roberts Airport crashed in a field, resulting in one death and nine survivors.
What happened
During the descent toward Roberts International Airport, the flight crew notified air traffic control of ongoing mechanical difficulties. As the situation progressed, the captain determined that the aircraft was unable to successfully reach the intended runway. In an effort to avoid a more catastrophic outcome, the pilot initiated an emergency landing in an open area situated approximately 11 km from the airport.
Upon contacting the ground, the aircraft's landing gear separated from the airframe. The plane slid for several dozen meters across the terrain before the movement ceased. The accident resulted in one fatality among the crew, while the remaining nine survivors were successfully extracted from the wreckage.
Findings
The crew reported technical issues prior to the impact.
The pilot's decision to divert to a field was driven by the inability to reach the airfield.
The separation of the undercarriage occurred during the impact sequence.
Probable cause
The pilot attempted an emergency landing in a field after determining the aircraft could not reach the airport due to technical malfunctions.