Aircraft crash short of Fort-Archambault Airport

No fatalities • Sarh, Chad • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed approximately 4 km from the runway at Fort-Archambault Airport during its final approach due to an altitude error.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward Fort-Archancault Airport, the flight crew encountered weather conditions that were considered marginal. While attempting to land, the aircraft struck the ground approximately 4 km before reaching the runway. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and caused three injuries among the occupants.

Findings

Investigations into the crash identified several potential technical and human factors. A primary concern was that the radio altimeter was not functioning at the time of the accident. It is suspected that the crew may have been operating under incorrect altitude information, potentially caused by a malfunctioning or improperly configured altimeter. Additionally, investigators noted that fatigue among the crew members might have contributed to the pilot's failure to maintain the necessary altitude during the approach.

Probable cause

The accident was likely caused by inaccurate altitude readings due to an inoperative or incorrectly set radio altimeter, potentially exacerbated by crew fatigue.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-02-28 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Sarh, Chad?

An aircraft crashed approximately 4 km from the runway at Fort-Archambault Airport during its final approach due to an altitude error.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-02-28 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-02-28 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration TT-DAA, operated by Air Afrique (1961), at Sarh, Chad.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was likely caused by inaccurate altitude readings due to an inoperative or incorrectly set radio altimeter, potentially exacerbated by crew fatigue.

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