What happened
During an approach to Tidjikdja Airport, the flight crew encountered significantly reduced visibility resulting from an active sandstorm. Because the runway could not be visually identified, the captain performed a go-around maneuver. A subsequent attempt to land was made several minutes later; however, the meteorological conditions remained hazardous.
While flying at an altitude of approximately 25 metres above the airfield, the aircraft's nose pitched downward, leading to a violent impact with the runway. The force of the collision caused the undercarriage to detach from the airframe. Following the initial impact, the aircraft lost directional control, drifted off the runway surface, and struck a group of rocks. The collision resulted in a post-crash fire. Of the total occupants on board, 80 people were killed, while 13 passengers were successfully rescued from the wreckage.
Findings
- The crew attempted a second approach despite the persistence of poor visibility caused by a sandstorm.