Fatal Charter Flight Crash at Hassai Airstrip (ST-AID)

Incident Overview and Flight Details A twin-engine aircraft departed Hassai Airstrip on a charter flight bound for Port Sudan. The aircraft was carrying a total of 11 people, consisting of two pilots and nine employees of the Ariab Mining Company. The flight ended in a fatal accident shortly after takeoff from the airstrip. ## Engine Failure and Emergency Response Shortly after the aircraft became airborne, the right engine lost power and failed. In response to the mechanical issue, the flight crew elected to return for an emergency. However, the aircraft eventually attempted an emergency landing instead of completing the return to the departure point. ## Crash Sequence and Casualties During the emergency landing, the aircraft belly landed and slid for a few dozen metres. The right wing struck a rock and was torn off, which caused fuel to spill and ignite. The aircraft caught fire and came to rest, bursting into flames. All 11 occupants on board were killed in the incident. ## Official Investigation Findings The official investigation determined that the malfunction of the right engine was caused by the failure of a fuel pump. The report attributed this specific mechanical failure to poor maintenance.