Gear-up landing at Luzamba Airport

No fatalities • Luzamba, Angola • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a belly landing at Luzamba Airport after the crew failed to extend the landing gear during a second approach attempt.

What happened

During the final approach to Luzamba Airport, the flight crew encountered atmospheric turbulence. In response to the weather conditions, the captain applied additional engine power, which resulted in an increase in the aircraft's approach speed. Due to the higher velocity, the aircraft touched down further down the runway than intended.

Upon recognizing the unstable approach after touchdown, the captain decided to abort the landing and commenced a go-around procedure. During the subsequent climb, the crew was mindful of the need to maintain a low-altitude downwind circuit to avoid local hostile activities in the vicinity.

While performing the second approach, the crew failed to deploy the landing gear. Consequently, the aircraft struck the runway on its belly, sliding approximately 350 metres before coming to a complete stop. There were no injuries among the 10 occupants on board, though the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the failure to extend the landing gear during the second approach attempt.

Probable cause

The crew neglected to lower the landing gear during a second approach following a previously aborted landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-10-06 Antonov AN-72 accident near Luzamba, Angola?

An aircraft experienced a belly landing at Luzamba Airport after the crew failed to extend the landing gear during a second approach attempt.

Were there any fatalities in the 2000-10-06 Antonov AN-72 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-10-06 involved a Antonov AN-72, registration TL-ACW, operated by Centrafricain Airlines, at Luzamba, Angola.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew neglected to lower the landing gear during a second approach following a previously aborted landing.

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