On September 14, 2003, a Let L-410 (registration 9XR-AL) operated by ACS Ltd was involved in an aviation accident near Lankien, South Sudan during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft overran the runway after the pilot aborted the takeoff to avoid a cow on the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft experienced a runway excursion at Lankien Airstrip after the crew attempted to avoid livestock on the runway during takeoff.
What happened
During the takeoff roll at Lankien Airstrip, the flight crew observed a cow moving onto the active runway 19. In an effort to avoid a collision with the animal, the captain decided to abort the takeoff procedure. However, the aircraft could not decelerate sufficiently within the available runway length.
As a result of the failed stop, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and came to a halt several dozen meters beyond the threshold. While the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, there were no injuries reported among the five occupants on board.
Findings
The primary cause of the excursion was the sudden appearance of livestock on the active runway.
The decision to abandon the takeoff led to insufficient distance for the aircraft to come to a complete stop before the runway end.
Probable cause
The aircraft overran the runway after the pilot aborted the takeoff to avoid a cow on the runway.