What happened
While performing a takeoff roll at Luabo Airport, the crew of the aircraft experienced intense vibrations originating from the nose landing gear once the vehicle reached a speed of 180 km/h. In response to this mechanical instability, the flight crew initiated an aborted takeoff procedure.
Due to the length of the paved runway being only 1,000 metres, the aircraft was unable to come to a complete stop before the end of the strip. The aircraft subsequently overran the runway, resulting in the loss of the nose gear. The excursion continued for approximately 500 metres, ending in a cemetery where the aircraft caught fire.
During the accident, one fatality was recorded, involving the copilot. The remaining 10 occupants managed to exit the wreckage and sustained minor injuries.
Findings
- The crew identified severe vibrations in the nose gear during the high-speed portion of the takeoff roll.
- The aircraft failed to stop within the available runway distance following the decision to abort.