Runway excursion at Beni Airport involving aircraft

No fatalities • Beni-Mavivi, Democratic Republic of Congo • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft attempted a nighttime landing at an unequipped airport, resulting in a runway overrun and collision with trees.

What happened

During a nighttime arrival at Beni Airport, the crew attempted to land despite the facility lacking the necessary equipment for nocturnal operations. During the landing sequence, the aircraft touched down too far along the runway, preventing the crew from stopping within the paved surface. This led to a runway excursion where the plane overran the end of the strip and struck several trees.

There were 10 people on board at the time of the incident. While the impact caused significant damage to the airframe, rendering it a total loss, all occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage. The incident resulted in various injuries among the passengers and crew, though no fatalities were reported.

Findings

  • The landing was attempted at night at an airport that is not configured for night-time flight operations.
  • The primary factor in the excursion was the late touchdown position on the runway, which left insufficient distance for deceleration.

Probable cause

The aircraft overran the runway after a late touchdown during an unauthorized nighttime landing at an unequipped airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-04-25 Antonov AN-26 accident near Beni-Mavivi, Democratic Republic of Congo?

An aircraft attempted a nighttime landing at an unequipped airport, resulting in a runway overrun and collision with trees.

Were there any fatalities in the 2003-04-25 Antonov AN-26 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-04-25 involved a Antonov AN-26, operated by Private Congolese, at Beni-Mavivi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overran the runway after a late touchdown during an unauthorized nighttime landing at an unequipped airport.

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