No fatalities

Belly landing of four-engine aircraft at Port Harcourt Airport (5N-EMP)

Port Harcourt, NigeriaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 7, 1999, a De Havilland DHC-7 (Dash-7) (registration 5N-EMP) operated by Skyline Air was involved in an aviation accident near Port Harcourt, Nigeria during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the belly landing remains undetermined, with potential factors including technical failure or crew error. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft sustained significant damage following a belly landing at Port Harcourt Airport, though all occupants escaped without injury.

What happened

An incident involving a four-engine aircraft occurred at Port Harcourt Airport during the landing phase of flight. The aircraft performed a belly landing on the runway, resulting in substantial structural damage to the airframe. Despite the severity of the impact, all 15 occupants on board were able to evacuate the aircraft without sustaining any injuries.

Following the landing, the aircraft was determined to be a total loss, as the damage sustained was classified as beyond repair. At the time of the report, the specific circumstances leading to the landing gear failure or the decision to land without gear remained unconfirmed.

Findings

It has not yet been determined whether the accident was the result of a mechanical malfunction or an error made by the crew. The investigation into whether a technical failure or operational oversight contributed to the belly landing is ongoing.

Probable cause

The cause of the belly landing remains undetermined, with potential factors including technical failure or crew error.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Sept 1999 De Havilland DHC-7 (Dash-7) accident near Port Harcourt, Nigeria?

A four-engine aircraft sustained significant damage following a belly landing at Port Harcourt Airport, though all occupants escaped without injury.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Sept 1999 De Havilland DHC-7 (Dash-7) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Sept 1999 involved a De Havilland DHC-7 (Dash-7), registration 5N-EMP, operated by Skyline Air, at Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the belly landing remains undetermined, with potential factors including technical failure or crew error.