On April 16, 1983, an Avro 748 (registration EL-AIH) operated by Air Liberia was involved in an aviation accident near Khartoum, Sudan during takeoff. 17 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: High Pressure fuel pump quillshaft broke due to pump seizure. The remaining engine produced not enough power because the fuel datum trimmer wasn't reset in accordance with the flight manual. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After takeoff from Khartoum-Haj Yusuf Airport, the right engine failed. The aircraft crashed while attempting an emergency landing, destroying the aircraft and several buildings and causing casualties.
Incident Overview
Aircraft departed Khartoum-Haj Yusuf Airport and experienced a right engine failure during the initial climb. The crew declared an emergency and received clearance to return for an emergency landing.
Accident Sequence
While executing a turn to align with the runway, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed in a district approximately 4 kilometers southeast of the airport. The impact destroyed the aircraft and several buildings on the ground.
Casualties and Damage
The flight engineer sustained serious injuries. Eight other occupants and nine individuals on the ground were killed. An additional eight people on the ground sustained injuries.
Probable Cause
Official findings determined that the high-pressure fuel pump quillshaft broke due to pump seizure. The remaining engine produced insufficient power because the fuel datum trimmer had not been reset in accordance with the flight manual.