What happened
During the approach phase to Conakry-Gbessia Airport, the flight crew identified a significant mechanical failure involving the aircraft's undercarriage. The landing gear failed to extend into the locked position, preventing a standard landing configuration.
In an effort to rectify the situation, the crew performed multiple manual deployment attempts to release the gear. However, these procedures failed to resolve the technical issue. Faced with the inability to secure the undercarriage, the decision was made to execute a belly landing on the runway.
Upon contact with the runway surface, the aircraft slid for several dozen meters before coming to a complete stop. Despite the impact of the landing, all 50 occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without injury. The aircraft sustained significant structural damage and was subsequently declared a total loss.
Findings
- The primary factor in the emergency was a malfunction of the landing gear mechanism that prevented deployment.