No fatalities

Aircraft Overruns Runway After Aborted Takeoff in Freetown (3X-GCM)

Freetown-Lungi, Sierra LeoneTakeoff (climb)

On August 11, 2004, a Boeing 737-200 (registration 3X-GCM) operated by Air Guinée Express was involved in an aviation accident near Freetown-Lungi, Sierra Leone during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of the non-application by the crew of the checklist prior to takeoff and the lack of coordination between the copilot, who was the pilot flying, and the captain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the Guinean Civil Aviation Authority accident investigation unit (AGAC)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-200
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A flight delayed by poor weather aborted takeoff at Freetown airport for unknown reasons, overrunning the runway. The aircraft lost its right main gear and engine, coming to rest 100 meters beyond. All 127 occupants were rescued; 50 passengers were injured.

Incident Summary

A commercial flight experienced a runway overrun at Freetown's airport after the captain decided to abort the takeoff. The aircraft had been delayed for hours due to poor weather conditions before being cleared for departure from runway 12/30, which measures 3,200 meters in length.

Takeoff and Abort

During the takeoff roll, the captain made the decision to abort the takeoff. The reason for the abort remains unknown. Unable to stop within the remaining runway distance, the aircraft overran the end of the runway. It subsequently lost its right main landing gear and right engine, before coming to rest in a grassy area approximately 100 meters past the runway end.

Rescue and Injuries

All 127 occupants were successfully rescued from the aircraft. Among them, 50 passengers sustained injuries. The aircraft itself was damaged beyond repair.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the accident was the consequence of the non-application by the crew of the checklist prior to takeoff and the lack of coordination between the copilot, who was the pilot flying, and the captain.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Aug 2004 Boeing 737-200 accident near Freetown-Lungi, Sierra Leone?

A flight delayed by poor weather aborted takeoff at Freetown airport for unknown reasons, overrunning the runway. The aircraft lost its right main gear and engine, coming to rest 100 meters beyond. All 127 occupants were rescued; 50 passengers were injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Aug 2004 Boeing 737-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Aug 2004 involved a Boeing 737-200, registration 3X-GCM, operated by Air Guinée Express, at Freetown-Lungi, Sierra Leone.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was the consequence of the non-application by the crew of the checklist prior to takeoff and the lack of coordination between the copilot, who was the pilot flying, and the captain.