Accident Details
During the takeoff roll at Luabo Airport, the aircraft accelerated to a speed of 180 km/h when the crew detected severe vibrations coming from the nose gear. The decision was made to abort the takeoff. However, the remaining length of the 1,000-meter paved runway was insufficient to bring the aircraft to a stop. The aircraft overran the runway, lost its nose gear during the overrun, and continued for an additional 500 meters before coming to rest in a cemetery. Upon stopping, the aircraft burst into flames.
Casualties and Damage
The copilot was killed in the accident. Ten other occupants escaped with minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including the loss of the nose landing gear and fire damage.
Investigation
The official investigation into the incident determined the probable cause. According to the findings, one of the tires on the nose gear burst during the takeoff roll. This tire failure caused the severe vibrations that prompted the crew to abort the takeoff. The burst tire led to the subsequent runway overrun and the aircraft's destruction.