On April 18, 1973, a Nord 2501 Noratlas (registration 9XR-KH) operated by Portalia Air-Cargo was involved in an aviation accident near Djibouti City, Djibouti during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced an engine failure shortly after rotation, leading to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent crash. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine cargo aircraft crashed near the end of the runway in Djibouti City following an engine failure during the takeoff roll.
What happened
During a cargo operation for Wolfair, a twin engine airplane was performing a takeoff from Djibouti City Airport. Shortly after the rotation phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of lift and descended into the ground near the runway's terminus. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.
There were two people on board at the time of the accident. Both the pilots sustained serious injuries during the crash sequence.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the aircraft entered a stall state immediately after rotation. This aerodynamic stall was triggered by an engine failure occurring during the initial climb segment.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced an engine failure shortly after rotation, leading to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent crash.