Aircraft damage during humanitarian landing

No fatalities • Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo • Landing (descent or approach)

A United Nations-operated aircraft sustained heavy damage after striking a sand pile during its final approach.

What happened

During a mission conducted for the United Nations Organization (UNO), an aircraft was performing a humanitarian flight when it encountered difficulties during the landing phase. While on short final approach, the left main landing gear made contact with a sand pile due to the plane being at an insufficient altitude.

Despite the impact, the pilot-in-command proceeded with the landing sequence and successfully brought the aircraft to a halt. Following the arrival, a mechanical inspection was performed on the airframe. The assessment concluded that the structural damage sustained during the incident was too extensive to allow for repairs, resulting in the aircraft being declared damaged beyond repair.

Findings

Investigations into the event identified that the primary factor was poor judgment by the flight crew, specifically regarding the decision to maintain the final approach at an altitude that was too low to clear obstacles on the airfield.

Probable cause

The crew's decision to continue the landing approach at an inadequate altitude led to the gear striking an obstacle.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1966-03-06 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo?

A United Nations-operated aircraft sustained heavy damage after striking a sand pile during its final approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1966-03-06 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1966-03-06 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration SE-CFG, operated by Transair Sweden, at Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew's decision to continue the landing approach at an inadequate altitude led to the gear striking an obstacle.

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