3 fatalities

1989-06-28: Avro 748 (TJ-CCF) — Cameroon Airlines — Yaoundé, Cameroon

Yaoundé, CameroonLanding (descent or approach)

On June 28, 1989, an Avro 748 (registration TJ-CCF) operated by Cameroon Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Yaoundé, Cameroon during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew. Lack of visibility and wet runway surface (poor braking action) were considered as contributing factors. 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 1781213963Data APIEditorial standards

After an uneventful flight from Douala, a crew attempted multiple landings at Yaoundé-Nsimalen Airport in poor weather. On the final attempt, the aircraft overran a wet runway and crashed, killing both pilots and a passenger.

Flight and Approach

The flight from Douala was uneventful. As the crew began the approach to Yaoundé-Nsimalen Airport, conditions were night and poor weather. On the first final approach, poor visibility prevented the crew from locating the runway, prompting them to initiate a go-around.

Multiple Landing Attempts

Over the next hour, the crew attempted to land four more times, each without success. Eventually, the captain decided to land despite the difficult conditions. On the final approach, the aircraft was too high and touched down too far down the runway—approximately 400 meters before the runway end. The runway was wet.

Overrun and Crash

Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran the runway and crashed into a ditch. The accident resulted in the deaths of both pilots and one passenger.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be wrong approach configuration on the part of the crew. Contributing factors included lack of visibility and a wet runway surface, which resulted in poor braking action.