On June 6, 2011, an Antonov AN-26 (registration TR-LII) operated by Solenta Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Libreville, Gabon during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A malfunction in the hydraulic system prevented the deployment of the landing gear and contributed to the aircraft stalling. 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.
A cargo flight operating for DHL Airways crashed into the sea near Libreville-Léon Mba Airport following a hydraulic system malfunction.
What happened
A cargo flight operated by DHL Airways was performing a transport mission from Port Gentil to Libreville when the incident occurred. While the crew was performing an approach to Libreville-Léon Mba Airport, the captain notified air traffic control of issues regarding the aircraft's hydraulic systems. In response to these technical difficulties, the crew executed a go-around maneuver.
During this phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a stall and subsequently impacted the ocean approximately 2.3 km southeast of the airport. Although the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, all four occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified that a failure of the hydraulic system prevented the crew from successfully lowering the landing gear. This mechanical malfunction was a critical factor during the attempted go-around and subsequent loss of control.
Probable cause
A malfunction in the hydraulic system prevented the deployment of the landing gear and contributed to the aircraft stalling.