On October 13, 2009, a Boeing 707 (registration J5-GGU) operated by Safari Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mombasa, Kenya during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck approach lights due to a low approach altitude, leading to a subsequent landing gear collapse during runway exit. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft experienced a right main gear collapse while exiting the runway at Mombasa-Moi Airport following a low approach.
What happened
During the final approach phase at Mombasa-Moi Airport, the aircraft struck the approach lighting system because it was flying at an insufficient altitude. Despite the impact with the lights, the crew maintained the approach and successfully completed the landing.
Shortly after the aircraft touched down and began moving off the runway toward the taxiway, the right main landing gear failed and collapsed. The incident resulted in the aircraft sustaining damage that was determined to be beyond repair. There were no injuries reported among the three crew members on board, and all personnel evacuated the aircraft safely.
Findings
The initial contact with the approach lights was caused by the aircraft being too low during its final descent.
The structural failure of the landing gear occurred during the transition from the runway to the taxiway.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck approach lights due to a low approach altitude, leading to a subsequent landing gear collapse during runway exit.
