Cargo aircraft crash near K50 Airstrip

3 fatalities • K50 (Lambar 50), Somalia • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight operating between Nairobi and Mogadishu crashed during a night approach due to heavy fog, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

A cargo flight departed from Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta Airport, destined for the K50 Airstrip located approximately 35 km southwest of Mogadishu. The aircraft was transporting 5.4 tons of khat and was operated by a crew of three.

During the night approach to the destination, the crew encountered dense fog that prevented them from establishing visual contact with the runway. In response to the low visibility, the captain performed a go-around procedure. While attempting a second approach, the aircraft descended too low and struck a 60-meter-tall communication antenna. The impact caused the plane to crash roughly 2 km from the airstrip. The accident resulted in three fatalities, with no survivors among the crew.

Findings

The primary factor in the accident was heavy fog which obscured the runway and led to the aircraft's descent into a communication tower during the second landing attempt.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a communication tower during a night approach due to a loss of visual contact with the runway caused by fog.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-08-13 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near K50 (Lambar 50), Somalia?

A cargo flight operating between Nairobi and Mogadishu crashed during a night approach due to heavy fog, resulting in three fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2008-08-13 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-08-13 involved a Fokker F27 Friendship, registration 5Y-BVF, operated by Fly540, at K50 (Lambar 50), Somalia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a communication tower during a night approach due to a loss of visual contact with the runway caused by fog.

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