No fatalities

2000-10-06: Antonov AN-72 (TL-ACW) — Centrafricain Airlines — Luzamba, Angola

Luzamba, AngolaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 6, 2000, an Antonov AN-72 (registration TL-ACW) operated by Centrafricain Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Luzamba, Angola during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to follow the approach checklist and forgot to lower the landing gear during the second approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781203182Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft landed on its belly at Luzamba Airport after the crew forgot to lower the landing gear during a second approach, following a go-around from an initial landing attempt. All 10 occupants exited uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

On final approach to Luzamba Airport, the flight crew encountered atmospheric turbulences. The captain responded by increasing engine power, which caused the approach speed to increase. As a result, the aircraft was too high and landed too far down the runway. After touching down, the captain decided to abandon the landing and initiated a go-around.

During the climb, the crew was aware that they should follow a downwind circuit at low altitude due to hostile actions in the area. On the second approach, the crew neglected to lower the landing gear. Consequently, the aircraft touched down on its belly and slid approximately 350 metres before coming to rest on the runway.

Occupant and Aircraft Status

All 10 occupants escaped without injury. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the crew's failure to follow the approach checklist and their omission to lower the landing gear during the second approach. Although a cockpit alarm sounded to indicate that the gear was not lowered, the crew misinterpreted the alarm and did not lower the gear or initiate a second go-around.