Twin-Engine Aircraft Crashes After Engine Failure on Takeoff from Monrovia (9L-LAV)

Accident

A twin-engine aircraft operating a scheduled passenger flight departed Monrovia-James Spriggs Payne Airport with a destination of Freetown-Lungi Airport. On board were nine passengers and a single pilot. Shortly after takeoff, during the initial climb, the pilot notified air traffic control that an engine had failed and declared an intention to return for an emergency landing. However, realizing that he would be unable to reach the airport, the pilot instead chose to land in an open field. Upon touchdown, the aircraft lost its undercarriage and subsequently crashed. The accident resulted in the deaths of the pilot and one passenger, while the remaining eight occupants sustained injuries.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be an engine failure that occurred during the initial climb phase of flight. The reason for the engine failure could not be established.