What happened
On the flight from Entebbe, Uganda, to Mwanza, Tanzania, an MD-83 (registration EL-WVD) was transporting cargo destined for Belgium. The flight crew consisted of two pilots and two engineers. During the initial climb from Entebbe, the crew noted a warning light for the number one generator approximately ten minutes after departure. In response, the crew deactivated the generator and proceeded with the flight under instrument flight rules at an altitude of 25,000 feet.
As the aircraft approached Mwanza, the pilot received weather updates indicating calm wind conditions. Air traffic controllers observed the aircraft swaying laterally while approaching runway 12. Upon touchdown, a loud noise occurred, and one engine detached from the airframe and rolled along the runway while on fire. Evidence from the runway surface indicated that the right wing tip struck the pavement before the number four engine made contact. Following this, the right main landing gear moved into the grass area on the left side of the runway, followed by the left main gear.
The aircraft traveled roughly 250 meters nearly parallel to the runway centerline before veering across the runway at an angle. During this sequence, the aircraft's momentum caused a 180-degree rotation. The four crew members on board sustained minor injuries during the evacuation. While fuel leakage was noted at the final resting position, no fire remained at the scene.
Findings
Investigation of the debris and tire marks revealed that the collapse of the main landing gear and the shearing of three wing pylons caused the engines to separate from the aircraft.