What happened
During the final segment of its approach to the runway 05 threshold at Silimo Airstrip, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude. The impact occurred just a few meters before reaching the runway surface. Following the initial contact with the ground, the aircraft became uncontrollable and veered toward the left side of the airstrip, eventually coming to a stop within a nearby ditch.
Despite the severity of the impact, all three occupants managed to exit the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft, however, sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
- The landing strip at Silimo is a gravel surface measuring 560 meters in length and 20 meters in width, featuring a 9° gradient.
- The local topography creates a flight environment where performing a go-around procedure is not a viable option during the short final phase of flight.
- The region is characterized by unpredictable and powerful wind currents that are capable of changing intensity very rapidly.