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Aircraft ground accident involving nosegear failure and fire (G-AWSC)

Lusaka, ZambiaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 22, 1974, a Canadair CL-44 (registration G-AWSC) operated by Tradewinds Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Lusaka, Zambia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the crew performing an incorrect approach configuration, resulting in a nose-first impact that severed the nosegear. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained significant damage and caught fire after a hard landing caused the nosewheel to detach during touchdown.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the crew executed an incorrect approach configuration. This error led to a landing where the aircraft impacted the runway on its nosewheel first. The force of the impact was sufficient to cause the nosewheel to separate from the airframe.

Following the structural failure of the gear, the aircraft slid for several dozen meters along the ground. During this sequence, the plane eventually caught fire. Despite the intensity of the flames, all five crew members were able to evacuate the aircraft without injury. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was an improper approach configuration by the flight crew.
  • The structural failure of the landing gear was a direct result of the nose-first touchdown.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the crew performing an incorrect approach configuration, resulting in a nose-first impact that severed the nosegear.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Dec 1974 Canadair CL-44 accident near Lusaka, Zambia?

An aircraft sustained significant damage and caught fire after a hard landing caused the nosewheel to detach during touchdown.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Dec 1974 Canadair CL-44 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Dec 1974 involved a Canadair CL-44, registration G-AWSC, operated by Tradewinds Airways, at Lusaka, Zambia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the crew performing an incorrect approach configuration, resulting in a nose-first impact that severed the nosegear.

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