On November 20, 1999, a Cessna 406 Caravan (registration D2-ECQ) operated by Sociedad de Aviaçao Ligeira - SAL was involved in an aviation accident near Benguela, Angola during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The nose landing gear collapsed upon touchdown, causing the aircraft to slide on its nose. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced a nose gear failure upon touchdown at Benguela-General Deslandes Airport, resulting in a runway excursion and significant airframe damage.
What happened
During the landing phase at Benguela-General Deslandes Airport, the aircraft's nose gear failed immediately upon contact with the runway. Following the collapse of the landing gear, the plane slid forward on its nose for several dozen meters before the movement ceased.
There were five people on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. All occupants managed to exit the plane without sustaining any injuries. While no personnel were harmed, the aircraft itself sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair.
Findings
The primary factor in the accident was the collapse of the nose landing gear during the touchdown sequence.
Probable cause
The nose landing gear collapsed upon touchdown, causing the aircraft to slide on its nose.