On February 28, 1971, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration TT-DAA) operated by Air Afrique (1961) was involved in an aviation accident near Sarh, Chad during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: At the time of the accident, the radio altimeter was inoperative. It is believed the accident was the consequence of a possible faulty altimeter reading, a wrong altimeter setting or a technical issue with the altimeter. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
On final approach to Fort-Archambault Airport, an aircraft struck the ground 4 km short of the runway due to the captain's failure to recognize low altitude. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were injured. The radio altimeter was inoperative.
Accident Details
During final approach to Fort-Archambault Airport, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions. The captain failed to realize that the aircraft's altitude was too low, resulting in the aircraft striking the ground and crashing approximately 4 kilometers short of the runway.
Damage and Occupants
The aircraft was destroyed in the accident. All three occupants on board were injured.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the radio altimeter was inoperative at the time of the accident. It is believed that the accident was the consequence of a possible faulty altimeter reading, a wrong altimeter setting, or a technical issue with the altimeter. Crew fatigue may have been a contributing factor.
What happened in the 28 Feb 1971 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Sarh, Chad?
On final approach to Fort-Archambault Airport, an aircraft struck the ground 4 km short of the runway due to the captain's failure to recognize low altitude. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were injured. The radio altimeter was inoperative.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Feb 1971 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Feb 1971 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?
At the time of the accident, the radio altimeter was inoperative. It is believed the accident was the consequence of a possible faulty altimeter reading, a wrong altimeter setting or a technical issue with the altimeter. Crew fatigue may have been a contributing factor.
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