On December 31, 2002, an Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante (registration 9L-LBR) operated by Inter Tropic Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Freetown-Hastings, Sierra Leone during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A flight from Freetown-Lungi to Freetown-Hastings in 2002 was damaged beyond repair after rebels sabotaged the runway with concrete and steel projectiles. All 16 occupants escaped uninjured.
Incident Overview
In 2002, an aircraft operating a flight from Freetown-Lungi Airport to Freetown-Hastings, located southeast of the capital city, encountered a sabotaged runway during the night. Rebels had placed concrete and steel projectiles on the landing surface. The exact date of the mishap remains unknown.
Sabotage and Landing
During the night, rebels sabotaged the runway with concrete and steel projectiles. After landing, the aircraft's right main gear struck several obstructions and was torn off. The aircraft came to rest on the runway.
Aftermath
The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. All 16 occupants on board escaped the incident uninjured. The sabotage resulted in the loss of the aircraft, but no injuries were reported among the passengers and crew.