On December 15, 1986, a BAe 125 (registration 5N-AWS) operated by Radio Communications Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Casablanca-Nouasseur (Mohammed V), Morocco during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to maintain an adequate altitude during the approach to the runway, leading to a collision with residential buildings. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft crashed into a residential area during its approach to Casablanca-Nouasseur Airport, resulting in ten total fatalities.
What happened
During the final approach phase toward Casablanca-Nouasseur Airport, an aircraft struck a residential neighborhood located approximately 2 km before reaching the runway. The impact occurred within a cluster of houses, leading to a significant loss of life both on board and on the ground.
As the flight progressed toward its destination, the crew did not identify that the plane was at an inadequate altitude for its position in the approach sequence. This lack of situational awareness regarding the aircraft's height led to the collision with the structures.
The accident resulted in eight fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft and two fatalities among individuals located on the ground at the site of the impact.
Findings
Investigations into the event indicate that the primary factor was a failure by the crew to recognize that the altitude was insufficient during the approach to the airport.
Probable cause
The crew failed to maintain an adequate altitude during the approach to the runway, leading to a collision with residential buildings.