On May 18, 2000, a Beechcraft 1900C (registration TR-LFK) operated by Avirex was involved in an aviation accident near Moanda, Gabon during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued the approach after passing the MDA until the aircraft impacted ground. Poor visibility due to foggy conditions was a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine charter flight from Libreville to Moanda crashed 1,600 meters short of runway 14 during approach in foggy conditions, killing a pilot and two passengers and injuring seven others.
Incident
On a charter flight for the Société d’Électricité et d’Énergie du Gabon (S.E.E.G.), a twin-engine aircraft departed Libreville bound for Moanda. While approaching Moanda, air traffic control cleared the crew to descend to 4,100 feet. The approach was conducted in poor visibility due to fog. During the short final leg, the aircraft struck the ground and crashed 1,600 meters short of runway 14. The impact killed the pilot and two passengers; seven other occupants sustained injuries.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that the accident was a controlled flight into terrain. The crew continued the approach after passing the minimum descent altitude (MDA) until the aircraft impacted the ground. The poor visibility caused by foggy conditions was identified as a contributing factor.
Probable cause
Controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued the approach after passing the MDA until the aircraft impacted ground. Poor visibility due to foggy conditions was a contributing factor.