Incident Details
Flight EC087 departed Dar es Salaam with three crew members and 16 passengers. The flight was scheduled to stop at Lindi and Nachingwea, with the service terminating at Nachingwea. Due to the non-availability of fuel at Dar es Salaam, the aircraft made an unscheduled stop at Mtwara to refuel, ensuring sufficient fuel for the return service EC088 to Dar es Salaam.
Weather and Landing Conditions
Weather at Mtwara was reported as fine, with light and variable winds. At the time of landing, the wind direction was given as 030 degrees at 8 knots. The crew conducted the approach and landing using standard procedures.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft touched down at a point approximately 1,000 feet from the threshold of runway 19. After a ground roll of 150 feet, the aircraft began to swing to the left side of the runway. It then rolled another 350 feet and swung to the right, continuing on this course. The aircraft left the runway and skidded for approximately 180 feet before coming to rest, having turned 135 degrees from the direction of landing.
Damage
Both landing gear assemblies collapsed due to excessive side loads applied to the structure. Substantial damage occurred to the center section structure and nacelles. The port propeller was damaged.
Evacuation and Injuries
The passengers and crew were able to evacuate the aircraft with the aid of ground rescue services. Two passengers were taken to the hospital and treated for shock.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the most probable cause of the accident was the failure of the pilot to initiate corrective action to prevent the aircraft from turning off the runway.