No fatalities

1990-08-12: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (N911SJ) — Southern Air Transport — Juba, South Sudan

Juba, South SudanLanding (descent or approach)

On August 12, 1990, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration N911SJ) operated by Southern Air Transport was involved in an aviation accident near Juba, South Sudan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the engine problems could not be determined with certainty. However, the assumption that the fuel was contaminated by water was not ruled out. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781212691Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff from Juba Airport, a four-engine aircraft suffered sequential engine power losses and overspeeds. Following a brief return, it landed but overran the runway, hit containers, and caught fire. All five occupants escaped uninjured.

Sequence of Events

Following departure from Juba Airport, the aircraft climbed to approximately 300 feet above ground at a speed of 155 knots. During this initial climb, engine number 4 experienced a loss of power. The flight crew decided to return for an emergency landing. During the return, engines number 1 and 2 oversped. While the aircraft executed a turn to align with runway 31, engine number 3 lost power and its propeller was feathered.

Despite these difficulties, the crew successfully landed the aircraft on the runway. However, after touchdown, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance. It veered off the runway and subsequently collided with cargo containers, causing a fire to erupt. All five occupants evacuated the aircraft without injury.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the exact cause of the engine problems could not be established with certainty. However, the possibility that the fuel was contaminated by water was not ruled out.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the engine problems could not be determined with certainty. However, the assumption that the fuel was contaminated by water was not ruled out.