3 fatalities

2024-08-08: De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo (7Q-STB) — Nyasa Air Charters — Pieri, South Sudan

Pieri, South SudanLanding (descent or approach)

On August 8, 2024, a De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo (registration 7Q-STB) operated by Nyasa Air Charters was involved in an aviation accident near Pieri, South Sudan during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered off the runway and struck obstacles after landing, causing a fire that killed bystanders. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781188781Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered 7Q-STB
Aircraft registered 7Q-STB. Photo: Nik Deblauwe / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A twin-engine airplane veered off the runway after landing at Pieri Airstrip, resulting in a fire that claimed the lives of three people on the ground.

What happened

Following its arrival at Pieri Airstrip, a twin-engine airplane experienced a loss of control during the landing phase. The aircraft departed the runway surface and moved into the surrounding area, where it struck various obstacles. The impact triggered a significant fire that consumed the aircraft.

While the crew managed to evacuate the plane, they sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the subsequent flames. The incident had a devastating impact on those not on the aircraft, as the collision and fire resulted in three fatalities among people on the ground. Additionally, several other individuals located near the site suffered injuries during the event.

Findings

No specific technical cause for the loss of directional control was identified in the initial report, though the aircraft's departure from the runway led to the collision with obstacles and the resulting fire.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway and struck obstacles after landing, causing a fire that killed bystanders.