Incident Overview
A charter flight carrying 48 students from Bahr al-Ghazalm University and five crew members crashed approximately 15 km from Khartoum-Haj Yusuf Airport during a flight from Wau to Khartoum. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all 53 occupants were killed.
Approach and Weather
On approach to Khartoum-Haj Yusuf Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility due to a sandstorm and night. Unable to establish visual contact with the runway, the crew abandoned the approach and initiated a go-around. The crew then attempted several approaches to the airport, all of which were abandoned. Some sources stated that there were nine landing attempts.
Final Moments
During an approach by night, the captain informed air traffic control that the aircraft was short on fuel. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck a building under construction and crashed.
Probable Cause
The crew attempted several approaches in poor weather conditions and descended until the aircraft collided with obstacles and crashed.