Engine failure and crash landing at Luena Airport

No fatalities • Luena, Angola • Landing (descent or approach)

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-04-08 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Luena, Angola?

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

Were there any fatalities in the 1989-04-08 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-04-08 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration S9-NAI, operated by Transafrik, at Luena, Angola.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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

Loading the flight search…