5 fatalities

1997-01-31: Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante (5N-AXS) — Skypower Express Airways — Yola, Nigeria

Yola, NigeriaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 31, 1997, an Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante (registration 5N-AXS) operated by Skypower Express Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Yola, Nigeria during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew continued the approach below MDA until the aircraft struck obstacles and crashed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781206335Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed 700 meters short of runway 17 at Yola Airport after striking tree tops and a powerline during a go-around and second approach, killing five and injuring 11.

Incident Overview

On approach to Yola Airport, the flight crew encountered poor weather conditions. The captain elected to abort the landing and initiated a go-around procedure. The aircraft then held in a pattern for approximately one hour before beginning a second approach.

Final Approach and Crash

During the final approach, the crew did not realize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient. The aircraft struck tree tops and a powerline, then crashed 700 meters short of runway 17. The impact killed all three crew members and two passengers. The remaining 11 passengers sustained injuries.

Official Findings

According to the investigation, the probable cause of the accident was that the crew continued the approach below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) until the aircraft struck obstacles and crashed.