On October 10, 2020, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (registration 5H-NWA) operated by Newton Air was involved in an aviation accident near Mundri, South Sudan during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the landing gear separation and wing damage during takeoff remains undetermined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A single-engine aircraft sustained heavy damage during a takeoff attempt at Mundri Airfield, resulting in structural failure but no injuries.
What happened
During a takeoff maneuver at Mundri Airfield, a single-engine airplane experienced a significant mechanical or structural failure. The impact of the event caused the nose gear and the right main landing gear to be completely detached from the airframe. Additionally, the aircraft's wings sustained severe structural damage during the incident.
There was no fire reported following the accident. Despite the heavy damage to the airframe, there were no injuries reported among the occupants. The aircraft, which was operated by Zantas Air Services under a lease from Newton Air, was determined to be a total loss and was damaged beyond repair.
Findings
The specific sequence of events leading to the gear separation and wing damage was not detailed, though the incident occurred during the takeoff phase of flight.
Probable cause
The cause of the landing gear separation and wing damage during takeoff remains undetermined.