On January 5, 1992, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration 5H-IAS) operated by Island Air Services - Tanzania was involved in an aviation accident near Shinyanga-Ibadakuli, Tanzania during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During approach to Shinyanga-Ibadakuli Airport in poor visibility, a twin-engine aircraft landed left of the runway, struck an edge marker, lost its nose gear, and sustained propeller damage. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Occurrence Details
A positioning flight from Nairobi to Shinyanga was completing its approach to Shinyanga-Ibadakuli Airport. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, encountered poor visibility during the landing. The twin-engine aircraft touched down on the left side of the runway, deviating from the intended landing area.
Impact and Damage
Upon landing, the aircraft collided with an edge marker. The impact caused the loss of the nose landing gear. The aircraft came to rest with both propellers damaged. The extent of the damage rendered the aircraft beyond economical repair.
Pilot Status
The pilot escaped the incident uninjured. No other occupants were on board, as this was a positioning flight without passengers.