On February 12, 2000, an Airbus A300 (registration TU-TAT) operated by Air Afrique was involved in an aviation accident near Aéroport international de Dakar-Yoff, Sénégal, SN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inversion of a flexible cable controlling the locking of the left main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the Bureau Enquetes et Analyses of Senegal (BEA Senegal).
On 12 February 2000, an Air Afrique aircraft with registration TU-TAT experienced an unexpected retraction of its left main landing gear while taxiing at Dakar Yoff Airport, leading to engine and wing damage and a fire.
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.
Probable cause
Inversion of a flexible cable controlling the locking of the left main landing gear.
What happened in the 12 Feb 2000 Airbus A300 accident near Aéroport international de Dakar-Yoff, Sénégal, SN?
On 12 February 2000, an Air Afrique aircraft with registration TU-TAT experienced an unexpected retraction of its left main landing gear while taxiing at Dakar Yoff Airport, leading to engine and wing damage and a fire.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Feb 2000 involved an Airbus A300, registration TU-TAT, operated by Air Afrique, at Aéroport international de Dakar-Yoff, Sénégal, SN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Inversion of a flexible cable controlling the locking of the left main landing gear.
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