No fatalities

Rejected Takeoff After Tyre Burst Leads to Overrun and Fire at Douala Airport (TU-TAV)

Douala, CameroonTakeoff (climb)

On August 3, 1997, a Boeing 737-200 (registration TU-TAV) operated by Air Afrique (1961) was involved in an aviation accident near Douala, Cameroon during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Rejected takeoff after a tyre burst on the left main gear. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-200
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

During takeoff roll on runway 23 at Douala Airport, the crew rejected takeoff after a loud bang at 110 knots. The aircraft overran, lost undercarriage and engines, and caught fire. All 114 occupants evacuated; 20 slightly injured. Aircraft destroyed.

Incident Overview

On takeoff roll from runway 23 at Douala Airport, the flight crew heard a loud bang when the aircraft reached 110 knots. They decided to abort the takeoff and initiated emergency braking procedures. However, the aircraft could not stop within the remaining runway distance.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft overran the runway, losing its undercarriage and both engines during the overrun. It continued for 130 metres beyond the runway before coming to rest, at which point it burst into flames.

Evacuation and Injuries

All 114 occupants on board were evacuated from the aircraft. Among them, 20 sustained slight injuries. No other injuries were reported.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a rejected takeoff after a tyre burst on the left main gear.

All Boeing 737-800 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Aug 1997 Boeing 737-200 accident near Douala, Cameroon?

During takeoff roll on runway 23 at Douala Airport, the crew rejected takeoff after a loud bang at 110 knots. The aircraft overran, lost undercarriage and engines, and caught fire. All 114 occupants evacuated; 20 slightly injured. Aircraft destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Aug 1997 Boeing 737-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Aug 1997 involved a Boeing 737-200, registration TU-TAV, operated by Air Afrique (1961), at Douala, Cameroon.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Rejected takeoff after a tyre burst on the left main gear.