What happened
On the afternoon of June 15, 2023, a Cessna 208B, registration 6V-ABC, was performing a domestic flight from Cap Skirring to Dakar. While the aircraft was on final approach to Dakar-Yoff Airport, the pilot experienced a sudden and complete loss of power from the engine.
Unable to maintain altitude or continue the standard approach, the crew attempted to manage the emergency. During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck the runway with its belly rather than the landing gear, causing significant damage to the airframe. There were no fatalities among the occupants, though the impact resulted in minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engine and the flight profile during the approach. Investigators examined the engine components for signs of internal failure or fuel starvation. The wreckage was inspected to determine the exact moment of power loss relative to the aircraft's position over the runway.