Aircraft collision with mast during takeoff

1 fatality • Chitembo, Angola • Takeoff (climb)

A special flight operated for the ICRC experienced a runway excursion and subsequent collision with a mast during takeoff, resulting in one fatality on the ground.

What happened

During a special mission conducted for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), an aircraft carrying twenty passengers and two crew members experienced difficulties during its takeoff roll. The flight crew encountered issues with directional control, causing the plane to veer toward the right side of the runway.

Despite the deviation, the aircraft managed to become airborne. However, shortly after liftoff, the right wing made contact with a mast. This impact caused the aircraft to pitch downward and strike the ground. The impact resulted in the loss of the nose landing gear, and the plane eventually came to a stop in a nearby potato field.

All 22 people on board the aircraft were successfully evacuated. While the crew and passengers escaped the wreckage, four passengers sustained minor injuries. Tragically, the accident resulted in one fatality involving a person on the ground.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced directional control issues during the initial takeoff phase.
  • A collision with a mast occurred immediately after the aircraft left the runway surface.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway during takeoff due to directional control problems, leading to a collision with a mast.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-06-30 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Chitembo, Angola?

A special flight operated for the ICRC experienced a runway excursion and subsequent collision with a mast during takeoff, resulting in one fatality on the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-06-30 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-06-30 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration HB-LOI, operated by Zimex Aviation, at Chitembo, Angola.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway during takeoff due to directional control problems, leading to a collision with a mast.

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