Incident Overview
On 12 February 2000, an Air Afrique aircraft registered as TU-TAT was taxiing toward the departure runway at Dakar Yoff Airport (DKR/GOOY) for a flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG/LFPG). During the taxi, an alarm related to the left main landing gear activated. The left landing gear subsequently retracted while the aircraft was maneuvering to return to the parking area. After the gear retraction, the engine made contact with the ground, and a fire ensued. The incident resulted in damage to the engine and wing.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the cause of the unexpected landing gear retraction was the inversion of a flexible cable that controls the locking mechanism of the left main landing gear.
Damage and Aftermath
The aircraft sustained damage to the left engine and wing structure due to the gear collapse and subsequent ground contact. The fire that started after the engine contacted the ground was extinguished. The aircraft was immobilized on the taxiway.