1968-01-27: De Havilland DH.114 Heron (F-OCED) — Air Comores — Moroni-Prince Saïd Ibrahim (ex Hahaya), Comoros Islands

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

An aircraft crashed into the sea near the shore during its final approach to Moroni-Hahaya Airport, resulting in no survivors among the 16 people on board.

What happened

Following a routine flight departing from Dar es-Salaam, the aircraft was performing its final approach toward Moroni-Hahaya Airport. During the short final phase of the descent, the right wing made contact with the airport's approach lighting system. In an effort to recover from this contact and initiate a go-around, the captain applied additional engine power. However, this maneuver caused the aircraft to pitch up excessively, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The plane subsequently crashed into the ocean in close proximity to the coastline.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the crew allowed the aircraft to descend below the required glide path during the approach. A critical factor in the loss of control was the configuration of the aircraft during the attempted go-around, as the flaps were fully extended while the pilot attempted to climb. The incident resulted in 16 fatalities, with no occupants surviving the impact.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain the proper glide path and attempted a go-around while the flaps were in a fully extended position, leading to an aerodynamic stall.