What happened
Before the flight commenced, the pilot alerted ground maintenance personnel to an irregular sound originating from the left main landing gear. Although a subsequent inspection by mechanics failed to identify any specific malfunctions, the pilot was instructed to proceed immediately to Mombasa to facilitate a more thorough technical assessment.
During the takeoff roll from runway 09, the aircraft began its ascent. While in the climbing phase, air traffic control notified the pilot that the left main gear had become detached from the airframe and fallen away. In response to this critical mechanical failure, the pilot was authorized to perform an emergency return to the airfield. The aircraft subsequently performed a belly landing on the runway. The impact resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair. Despite the severity of the landing, all four occupants managed to exit the plane uninjured.
Findings
- An unusual noise was reported by the pilot regarding the left main gear prior to departure.
- The separation of the left main landing gear during the climb was the primary event leading to the emergency landing.