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Douglas DC-4 accident at Kano, Nigeria, 10 Apr 1948 (F-BBDC)

Kano, NigeriaTakeoff (climb)

On April 10, 1948, a Douglas DC-4 (registration F-BBDC) operated by Air France was involved in an aviation accident near Kano, Nigeria during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Important skid marks were noted on the runway, coming from the nose wheel that was locked at the time of the accident. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

Important skid marks were noted on the runway, coming from the nose wheel that was locked at the time of the accident. Apparently, the crew failed to follow the pre-flight checklist and did not realized the nose wheel was not configured for the takeoff procedure.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

Following the failure of the starter on engine number one, the crew was unable to restart this engine and received the authorization to perform an empty leg back to Paris for maintenance purposes. During the takeoff roll in Kano Airport, the aircraft went out of control and veered off runway before colliding with a BOAC technical hangar. A crew member was killed while five others were injured. The aircraft was destroyed. Pilots : Mr. Salvetat & Marchandise.

Probable cause (official findings): Important skid marks were noted on the runway, coming from the nose wheel that was locked at the time of the accident. Apparently, the crew failed to follow the pre-flight checklist and did not realized the nose wheel was not configured for the takeoff procedure.

Related events

Same operator

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