Emergency landing of aircraft near Agwenit following engine failure

No fatalities • Agwanit, Western Sahara • Flight

An aircraft traveling from South Africa to England experienced dual engine failures during a night flight over the Sahara Desert, resulting in a crash landing.

What happened

During a night flight transitioning from South Africa toward England via Abidjan, an aircraft intended for an airshow experienced a significant mechanical failure. While the flight was in the cruise phase over the desert, the number 3 and number 4 engines on the right side of the aircraft both ceased functioning.

Following the loss of power, the crew operated the aircraft for approximately ten minutes before the captain initiated an emergency descent. The aircraft subsequently performed a crash landing in a desert region situated roughly 50 km north of Agwenit, in the Occidental Sahara.

Findings

  • All 19 occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft without injury.
  • The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss, and it was left at the crash site.
  • The primary factor leading to the emergency was the simultaneous failure of both right-side engines.

Probable cause

The simultaneous failure of the number 3 and number 4 engines during the cruise phase necessitated an emergency landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-07-13 Avro 696 Shackleton accident near Agwanit, Western Sahara?

An aircraft traveling from South Africa to England experienced dual engine failures during a night flight over the Sahara Desert, resulting in a crash landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 1994-07-13 Avro 696 Shackleton accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-07-13 involved a Avro 696 Shackleton, registration 1716, operated by South African Air Force - SAAF, at Agwanit, Western Sahara.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The simultaneous failure of the number 3 and number 4 engines during the cruise phase necessitated an emergency landing.

Loading the flight search…