Aircraft ground impact during approach to Heglig

No fatalities • Heglig, Sudan • Landing (descent or approach)

A charter flight operating between Khartoum and Heglig struck the ground short of the runway threshold during its final approach, resulting in significant aircraft damage but no fatalities.

What happened

A charter flight, operating on behalf of an oil company, was performing a transport mission from Khartoum to Heglig with a total of 16 people on board, consisting of 12 passengers and four crew members. While performing the final approach to runway 34, the aircraft descended below the required altitude and made contact with the ground before reaching the runway threshold.

Following the initial impact, the aircraft bounced before a secondary hard landing occurred. This impact was severe enough to cause the undercarriage to be detached from the airframe. The aircraft subsequently slid along its fuselage, veered away from the runway centerline, and eventually came to a stop in nearby vegetation. Despite the structural damage to the aircraft, all 16 occupants were able to evacuate the wreckage without injury.

Findings

At the time of the incident, weather conditions were reported as good, though wind gusts were measured at 23 knots. The primary factor in the accident was that the aircraft was flying too low during its approach to the threshold.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway threshold due to an insufficient approach altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-02-27 Antonov AN-26 accident near Heglig, Sudan?

A charter flight operating between Khartoum and Heglig struck the ground short of the runway threshold during its final approach, resulting in significant aircraft damage but no fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-02-27 Antonov AN-26 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-02-27 involved a Antonov AN-26, registration ST-MGL, operated by El Magal Aviation, at Heglig, Sudan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway threshold due to an insufficient approach altitude.

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