No fatalities

2004-03-17: Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (5H-MUA) — Regional Air Services — Lake Manyara, Tanzania

Lake Manyara, TanzaniaTakeoff (climb)

On March 17, 2004, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (registration 5H-MUA) operated by Regional Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Manyara, Tanzania during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure for undetermined reasons. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781200457Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft 5H-MUA, on a scheduled flight, experienced engine failure during climb from Lake Manyara. Emergency landing on road disrupted by truck, collision with wall. All nine occupants rescued; five seriously injured.

Flight History

5H-MUA, a scheduled service aircraft based in Arusha, began its journey at 0530 hours. The flight plan included stops at Lake Manyara, Klein's Camp, Grumet, and Seronera, with a return to Arusha via Lake Manyara. Onboard were one pilot and three passengers. The initial leg to Lake Manyara proceeded without incident, and the aircraft touched down at 0555 hours. At Lake Manyara, five additional passengers embarked, bringing the total complement to nine.

Engine Failure and Emergency Landing

Departure from Lake Manyara occurred at 0615 hours, with Klein's Camp as the next destination. Shortly after takeoff, during the initial climb, the aircraft's engine ceased operation. In response, the pilot feathered the propeller and initiated an emergency landing attempt on a road. The presence of a truck on the road necessitated an evasive maneuver, causing the aircraft to lose speed and altitude. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with a stone wall adjacent to the road and came to a stop.

Injuries and Probable Cause

All nine individuals aboard were rescued from the wreckage. Of these, five sustained serious injuries. The official investigation concluded that the probable cause of the accident was an engine failure, the reason for which could not be determined.