Aircraft collision during approach to Tamanrasset-Aguenar Airport

5 fatalities • Tamanrasset, Algeria • Landing (descent or approach)

A charter flight carrying members of the Nigerian football team crashed during a landing attempt at Tamanrasset-Aguenar Airport following several aborted approaches.

What happened

During an early morning charter flight traveling from Tunis to Lagos, an aircraft carrying members of the Nigerian football team Iwanwanyu was performing an intermediate stop at Tamanrasset-Aguenar Airport. While attempting to land, the crew encountered significant visibility issues caused by haze. After being unable to visually identify the runway, the captain performed a go-around.

Following a period of holding, the flight crew attempted several different approaches. After approximately 83 minutes and three unsuccessful attempts, the crew initiated a fourth approach. During the short final phase of this flight, the aircraft struck the approach lights, subsequently hitting a pylon and a truck. The impact caused the plane to come to a stop near the runway.

As a result of the accident, there were five fatalities, including three crew members and two passengers. Additionally, 34 occupants sustained injuries, with several of these being classified as serious.

Findings

  • The primary difficulty during the approach was poor visibility resulting from haze.
  • The crew attempted four separate approaches over the course of 83 minutes before the collision occurred.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck airport infrastructure during a fourth landing attempt necessitated by poor visibility caused by haze.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-09-18 BAc 111 accident near Tamanrasset, Algeria?

A charter flight carrying members of the Nigerian football team crashed during a landing attempt at Tamanrasset-Aguenar Airport following several aborted approaches.

Were there any fatalities in the 1994-09-18 BAc 111 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-09-18 involved a BAc 111, registration 5N-IMO, operated by Oriental Airlines, at Tamanrasset, Algeria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck airport infrastructure during a fourth landing attempt necessitated by poor visibility caused by haze.

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