No fatalities

1997-04-12: Douglas DC-9 (9G-ACM) — Ghana Airways — Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Abidjan, Ivory CoastLanding (descent or approach)

On April 12, 1997, a Douglas DC-9 (registration 9G-ACM) operated by Ghana Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Abidjan, Ivory Coast during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781206161Data APIEditorial standards

During approach to Abidjan in heavy rain, crew initiated go-around then second approach above glide, landing 900m past threshold. Aircraft skidded on wet runway, veered left, lost undercarriage. 104 occupants evacuated, three slightly injured.

Incident Overview

A commercial flight from Accra-Kotoka Airport to Abidjan-Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport concluded with a runway excursion after a landing that occurred well past the designated touchdown zone. The approach and landing were conducted in poor weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

Approach and Landing

After an uneventful flight, the crew began the descent to Abidjan. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were poor, with heavy rain reducing horizontal visibility to no more than 2 km. On the final approach, the captain decided to execute a go-around. A few minutes later, the crew commenced a second approach to runway 21, established on the Instrument Landing System (ILS). However, the aircraft continued the approach above the glide path. This resulted in the aircraft touching down 900 metres past the runway threshold.

Upon landing on a wet runway surface, the aircraft skidded and veered off the runway to the left. The aircraft contacted soft ground, causing the loss of its undercarriage. It came to rest 1,800 metres past the runway threshold.

Evacuation and Injuries

All 104 occupants were evacuated from the aircraft. Among them, three passengers sustained minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, weather conditions were poor with heavy rain and wind from 110 degrees gusting to 25 knots.