Engine damage and fuselage puncture following bird strike at Adar Yeil Airport

No fatalities • Adar Yeil, South Sudan • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft sustained significant damage and injuries to three passengers after colliding with birds during landing at Adar Yeil Airport.

What happened

During the landing phase on a gravel runway at Adar Yeil Airport, the aircraft encountered a flock of birds. This collision resulted in damage to the left engine. Following the impact, the aircraft lost directional control and drifted toward the left side of the runway. During this excursion, the left propeller made contact with the ground.

The force of the impact caused the propeller blades to detach from the engine. As the blades separated, they punctured the aircraft's fuselage, leading to three injuries among the passengers on board. The aircraft eventually reached a complete stop, at which point all occupants were able to evacuate the wreckage safely.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the loss of control was a bird strike occurring immediately after touchdown.
  • The structural failure of the propeller blades led to the breach of the fuselage.
  • The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Probable cause

A bird strike during landing caused engine damage and subsequent propeller separation, leading to a runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-06-16 Fokker 50 accident near Adar Yeil, South Sudan?

An aircraft sustained significant damage and injuries to three passengers after colliding with birds during landing at Adar Yeil Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 2003-06-16 Fokker 50 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-06-16 involved a Fokker 50, registration ST-ARA, operated by Mid Airlines, at Adar Yeil, South Sudan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A bird strike during landing caused engine damage and subsequent propeller separation, leading to a runway excursion.

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