Cessna 208B crash at Akobo Airstrip

No fatalities • Akobo, South Sudan • Takeoff (climb)

A charter flight operated by a local carrier experienced a runway excursion and crash-landing at Akobo Airstrip on 3 June 2016.

What happened

On 3 June 2016, a Cessna 208B, registered as 5Y-JLL, was performing a scheduled passenger charter service from Akobo Airstrip to Juba. The aircraft was carrying one crew member and four passengers at the time of the incident.

During the takeoff roll at roughly 10:00 local time, the pilot attempted an early rotation to avoid animals that had entered the runway area. During this maneuver, the right main landing gear made contact with the perimeter fence surrounding the airstrip. This caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and crash-land into a nearby area characterized by trees and grass-thatched dwellings.

While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, there were no injuries reported among the five people on board.

Findings

Investigations into the accident noted that the runway surface was wet during the departure. The primary factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to execute a premature takeoff to avoid an animal incursion on the active runway.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to avoid animals on the runway led to an early takeoff rotation and subsequent loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-06-03 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan accident near Akobo, South Sudan?

A charter flight operated by a local carrier experienced a runway excursion and crash-landing at Akobo Airstrip on 3 June 2016.

Were there any fatalities in the 2016-06-03 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-06-03 involved a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, registration 5Y-JLL, operated by Lady Lori (Kenya) Ltd, at Akobo, South Sudan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to avoid animals on the runway led to an early takeoff rotation and subsequent loss of control.

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