What happened
On a scheduled flight originating from Libreville-Léon Mba Airport, an aircraft carrying 26 passengers and four crew members departed at 09:11 local time. The flight path was intended to include an intermediate stop in Port Gentil before reaching the final destination of Franceville.
Shortly after the departure, the crew notified air traffic control regarding a technical malfunction. Consequently, permission was granted to perform an emergency return to Libreville. During the approach, despite favorable weather conditions, the aircraft passed over the runway and impacted the ocean approximately 100 meters from the shoreline.
The accident resulted in 19 fatalities, including one member of the crew, while 11 individuals on board were successfully rescued.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary issue was a loss of hydraulic pressure within the right engine. This mechanical failure necessitated the shutdown of the engine and the feathering of its propeller. The subsequent lack of hydraulic pressure prevented the crew from successfully deploying the landing gear during the final approach phase.