On November 21, 2003, a BAe 125 (registration D2-EXR) operated by Intertransit was involved in an aviation accident near Luanda-4 de Fevereiro, Angola during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the primary hydraulic system, which prevented extension of the landing gear. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Aircraft forced to belly land on grass between runways after primary hydraulic system failure. Both pilots uninjured; aircraft destroyed.
Incident Overview
Minutes after departing from Lunda-4 de Fevereiro Airport en route to Catumbela, the crew reported hydraulic problems to air traffic control and requested an emergency return to Luanda. Due to the failure of the primary hydraulic system, the pilots were unable to extend the landing gear. They opted to perform a belly landing on the grassy area between runways 23 and 25.
Landing and Outcome
The aircraft slid on its belly for several dozen meters before coming to a stop. Both pilots emerged uninjured. However, the aircraft sustained substantial damage and was declared beyond economical repair.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the failure of the primary hydraulic system, which prevented normal landing gear extension. No other contributing factors were identified in the source.
Probable cause
Failure of the primary hydraulic system, which prevented extension of the landing gear.