11 fatalities

1973-05-02: Nord 2501 Noratlas (6411) — Portuguese Air Force - Força Aerea Portuguesa (1952-) — Mueda, Mozambique

Mueda, MozambiqueLanding (descent or approach)

On May 2, 1973, a Nord 2501 Noratlas (registration 6411) operated by Portuguese Air Force - Força Aerea Portuguesa (1952-) was involved in an aviation accident near Mueda, Mozambique during landing or approach. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Too low approach in marginal weather conditions. 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 1781232767Data APIEditorial standards

On approach to Mueda Airport, the crew encountered marginal weather with low clouds and limited visibility. The pilot descended too low, causing the aircraft to strike the ground and crash short of runway 16. The aircraft was destroyed; all 11 occupants were killed.

Accident Overview

An aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Mueda Airport, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all 11 occupants on board. Among the victims were two civilians and two officers.

Sequence of Events

During the approach to Mueda Airport, the flight crew encountered marginal weather conditions characterized by low clouds and limited visibility. On final approach, the pilot-in-command descended to an altitude that was too low relative to the runway. As a result, the aircraft struck the ground and came to rest short of the threshold of runway 16. The impact caused the aircraft to be totally destroyed.

Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a too low approach in marginal weather conditions.