58 fatalities

1968-09-28: Douglas C-54 Skymaster (N90427) — Pan African Airlines — Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Port Harcourt, NigeriaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 28, 1968, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration N90427) operated by Pan African Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Port Harcourt, Nigeria during landing or approach. 58 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to realize his altitude was too low during the approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781238424Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine charter flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt with 57 occupants and a load of ammunition crashed short of the runway after the left wing struck two trees. All occupants and one person on the ground were killed, with subsequent explosions.

Flight Details

A four-engine aircraft was operating a charter flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The flight carried 53 passengers, a crew of four, and a load of ammunition.

Approach and Crash

The aircraft initiated its approach to Port Harcourt Airport at night. Although the pilot had the runway in sight, he failed to realize that his altitude was too low. The left wing struck two trees, causing the airplane to stall. The aircraft then crashed in flames onto houses located a few kilometers short of the runway.

Explosions and Fatalities

Following the impact, huge explosions occurred due to the ammunition being carried. None of the 57 occupants survived the crash. One person on the ground was also killed.

Probable Cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to recognize that the aircraft's altitude was too low during the approach, which led to the left wing striking trees and the subsequent stall and crash.