On February 28, 2013, a Let L-410 (registration LZ-CCJ) operated by Heli Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Wau, South Sudan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the nose landing gear during the landing sequence. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A United Nations humanitarian flight experienced a nose gear failure upon landing at Wau Airport, resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent fire.
What happened
During a humanitarian mission conducted for the United Nations Organisation (UNO), an aircraft experienced a mechanical failure while arriving at Wau Airport. As the aircraft touched down, the nose landing gear collapsed, causing the plane to lose structural stability on the runway.
Following the gear failure, the aircraft slid along the runway surface for several dozen meters. The friction and impact of the incident led to the aircraft catching fire. The crew managed to evacuate the aircraft before the flames spread, but the fire resulted in the partial destruction of the airframe.
Findings
The incident was triggered by the collapse of the nose landing gear during the landing phase.
There were zero fatalities as both pilots successfully exited the wreckage.
The aircraft sustained significant damage due to the post-landing fire.
Probable cause
The collapse of the nose landing gear during the landing sequence.