16 fatalities

Go-Around Stall After Approach Lights Strike Kills 16 Near Moroni (F-OCED)

Moroni-Prince Saïd Ibrahim (ex Hahaya), Comoros IslandsLanding (descent or approach)

On January 27, 1968, a De Havilland DH.114 Heron (registration F-OCED) operated by Air Comores was involved in an aviation accident near Moroni-Prince Saïd Ibrahim (ex Hahaya), Comoros Islands during landing or approach. 16 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who let the airplane descending below the glide. While attempting to go-around, the flaps were fully extended. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During final approach to Moroni-Hahaya Airport, the crew failed to maintain sufficient altitude. The right wing struck approach lights, and a go-around attempt resulted in a stall and crash into the sea. None of the 16 occupants survived.

Accident

An aircraft on an uneventful flight from Dar es-Salaam to Moroni-Hahaya Airport crashed into the sea near the shore during a go-around attempt. On final approach, the crew did not realize that the altitude was insufficient. The right wing struck approach lights. The captain increased engine power to execute a go-around, but the airplane assumed an excessive nose-up attitude, stalled, and crashed into the water. None of the 16 occupants survived.

Investigation

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The crew had configured the aircraft incorrectly for the approach, allowing it to descend below the glide path. When the crew attempted a go-around, the flaps were fully extended, contributing to the aerodynamic stall.

Probable Cause

The probable cause, as stated in the official findings, was a wrong approach configuration on the part of the crew, who let the airplane descend below the glide. While attempting a go-around, the flaps were fully extended.