No fatalities

1989-04-08: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (S9-NAI) — Transafrik — Luena, Angola

Luena, AngolaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 8, 1989, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration S9-NAI) operated by Transafrik was involved in an aviation accident near Luena, Angola during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft's engines failed and caught fire after being struck by small arms fire. 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 1781214238Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced dual engine fires during its final approach to Luena Airport, resulting in a crash landing short of the runway.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward Luena Airport, the aircraft suffered a critical mechanical failure when two engines ignited and subsequently ceased functioning. In response to the loss of power and active fires, the crew initiated an emergency descent procedure to reach the ground safely.

Unable to reach the runway, the aircraft impacted the terrain a few kilometers before the landing strip. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. Despite the severity of the crash, all four crew members were successfully rescued from the wreckage without reported fatalities.

Findings

Investigations into the incident suggest that the primary cause of the dual engine failure was external damage. It is believed that the engines were struck by small arms fire, which triggered the subsequent fires and loss of propulsion.

Probable cause

The aircraft's engines failed and caught fire after being struck by small arms fire.