No fatalities

Nose gear collapse during takeoff roll (ST-ADW)

El Fasher, SudanTakeoff (climb)

On June 6, 1977, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration ST-ADW) operated by Sudan Airways was involved in an aviation accident near El Fasher, Sudan during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the nose landing gear during the takeoff roll led to the aircraft sliding on its nose. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a nose gear failure during its takeoff roll, resulting in structural damage but no injuries to those on board.

What happened

While performing the takeoff roll, the aircraft's nose landing gear failed and collapsed. This mechanical failure caused the front of the plane to drop toward the runway surface. As a result of the collapse, the aircraft slid several meters along the ground before the motion ceased.

Despite the impact with the ground, all 39 occupants were able to exit the aircraft without harm. The incident resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss due to damage that was beyond repair.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the incident was the collapse of the nose gear during the initial phase of takeoff.

Probable cause

The collapse of the nose landing gear during the takeoff roll led to the aircraft sliding on its nose.