What happened
An aircraft, operating as the final leg of a journey from Valencia, Spain, to Lomé, Togo, encountered an in-flight emergency while traversing Niger. The flight had previously transported members of the University of Bénin-Togo chorus from Paris-Le Bourget Airport to Valencia earlier that day.
While maintaining cruising altitude over Niger, the crew reported the presence of spreading smoke within the cockpit to air traffic control. In response to the situation, the flight was authorized to perform an emergency descent and divert to Niamey-Diori Hamani Airport.
During the approach to Niamey, the crew encountered a critical malfunction involving the aircraft's hydraulic systems. This failure prevented the deployment of the landing gear, necessitating a belly landing on the runway. Following the touchdown, the aircraft slid for several dozen meters before a fire erupted. Although the aircraft was destroyed by the flames, all 10 occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage without injury.
Findings
- The crew experienced hydraulic system failure during the approach phase.
- The inability to extend the undercarriage led to the aircraft contacting the runway surface directly.