Fatal crash during approach to Yola Airport

5 fatalities • Yola, Nigeria • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed short of the runway at Yola Airport following a missed approach due to adverse weather conditions.

What happened

During an approach to Yola Airport, the flight crew encountered unfavorable weather. In response to these conditions, the captain opted to abort the initial landing attempt and performed a go-around. The aircraft remained in a holding pattern for approximately one hour as the crew prepared for a subsequent landing attempt.

During the second approach, the aircraft descended to an altitude that was too low. The aircraft type (not specified) struck powerlines and treetops before coming to rest 700 metres before the threshold of runway 17. The accident resulted in 5 fatalities, including all three crew members and two passengers. Additionally, 11 passengers sustained injuries during the impact.

Findings

Investigations indicate that the primary factor in the crash was insufficient altitude during the final approach.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain an adequate altitude during the second landing attempt, leading to a collision with obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-01-31 Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante accident near Yola, Nigeria?

An aircraft crashed short of the runway at Yola Airport following a missed approach due to adverse weather conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-01-31 Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-01-31 involved a Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante, registration 5N-AXS, operated by Skypower Express Airways, at Yola, Nigeria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to maintain an adequate altitude during the second landing attempt, leading to a collision with obstacles.

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