On February 15, 1992, a Douglas DC-8 (registration 9G-MKB) operated by MK Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kano, Nigeria during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of altitude occurred during the transition to a landing configuration when the crew deployed the flaps. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced a loss of altitude during its final approach to Kano Airport, resulting in a ground impact and subsequent fire.
What happened
During the approach phase to Kano Airport, the aircraft was flying in a flat attitude approximately 8 km from the runway threshold. As the crew initiated the deployment of flaps, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude. The descent continued until the aircraft struck trees in the vicinity of the airfield.
Upon impact with the ground, the aircraft's undercarriage was torn away. The wreckage slid for approximately 150 metres across the terrain before coming to a complete stop. Following the slide, the aircraft caught fire amidst the surrounding trees. Despite the intensity of the post-crash fire, all five crew members successfully evacuated the aircraft without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft itself sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
The aircraft experienced a loss of height immediately following the extension of flaps during the approach.
Probable cause
The loss of altitude occurred during the transition to a landing configuration when the crew deployed the flaps.