Introduction
On 25 December 2003, an accident occurred at Cotonou Cadjèhoun aerodrome (Benin) involving a Boeing 727-223, registration 3X-GDO, operated by Union des Transports Africains (UTA). The investigation was conducted by the French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA) under the delegation of the Beninese National Commission of Inquiry, established by decree on 26 December 2003.
Flight Crew and Cabin Crew
The flight crew consisted of a commander, a copilot, and a flight engineer. The cabin crew comprised a chief purser and several flight attendants. The commander and the chief purser provided valuable assistance to the investigators, with their answers closely consistent with the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder evidence.
Aircraft
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 727-223, registration 3X-GDO. The report details the aircraft's history, maintenance, and engines, but specific information was difficult to obtain due to the dispersal of responsible parties and documents.
Investigation Challenges
The investigation was notably slowed by the difficulty in obtaining precise information and regulatory documents typically gathered in the early days after an accident. This observation itself constitutes an initial conclusion of the report.
Meteorological Conditions
The report includes a general weather situation and the local conditions at Cotonou on the day of the accident, based on available data.
Accident Sequence
The report describes the flight sequence, including departure procedures, but relies heavily on the testimony of the commander and chief purser, as well as the recorded data from the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, which were recovered and read.
Summary of Findings
The investigation, conducted in accordance with Annex 13 to the International Civil Aviation Convention and French regulations, aimed solely at preventing future accidents. No fault or liability was assigned. The report's findings focus on the factual circumstances and contributing elements, without attributing blame.