Allied Air Boeing 737-400SF Landing Accident at Brazzaville Maya-Maya Airport (5N-OTT)

Incident Overview and Investigation Authority On 8 February 2023, a Boeing 737-400SF operated by Allied Air Limited experienced a serious landing accident at Maya-Maya International Airport in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. The aircraft, registered 5N-OTT and bearing manufacturer serial number 24529, was conducting a commercial cargo flight for DHL from Libreville, Gabon, to Brazzaville. The accident occurred during landing on runway 05 at approximately 00:15 local time (23:15 UTC on 7 February 2023). The Bureau des enquêtes et des accidents d’aviation (BEA) of the Republic of the Congo opened safety investigation BEA-01-2023 under ICAO Annex 13 and applicable national aviation regulations. Participating organizations included the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Boeing, and Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Ltd. ## Flight Progression and Immediate Events The aircraft carried three crew members: a captain, a first officer, and an aircraft maintenance technician. According to crew statements, the final approach to runway 05 was conducted with the autopilot engaged until approximately 200 feet above the ground, after which manual control was assumed. The aircraft was stabilized in the approach, and the autobrake system was set to position 2. The first officer was the pilot flying. At 23:15 UTC, the aircraft touched down on runway 05. A few seconds after reverse thrust activation, during deceleration, the crew heard a first loud noise from the left main landing gear, followed by strong vibrations. A second, less intense noise was heard shortly afterward. The pilot flying and pilot monitoring roles were then exchanged, with the captain taking control to stabilize the aircraft. ## Damage and Aftermath The left main landing gear suffered extensive damage. The shimmy damper, half-compasses, and axle-wheel assembly detached from the fractured landing gear leg. The number 2 tire on the left main gear burst. Friction between detached landing gear components, the gear leg, and the left engine against the runway surface left visible marks on the pavement. The aircraft came to a stop approximately 463 meters from the opposite threshold (runway 23). Left landing gear components were recovered approximately 98.2 meters from the aircraft’s final position. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the left main landing gear, fuselage, left engine, and left wing. No injuries were reported among the occupants. A NOTAM was issued on 9 February 2023 at 23:45 UTC announcing the closure of runway 05/23. After cargo offloading and fuel draining, a freight pallet was placed under the damaged gear leg to stabilize the aircraft. The aircraft was then towed and removed from the runway. Runway 05/23 was reopened at 05:48 local time (04:48 UTC) following removal, cleaning, and inspection, with a new NOTAM published.