Aircraft excursion at Muyowasi-Murungu Airstrip

No fatalities • Muyowosi-Murungu, Tanzania • Landing (descent or approach)

A charter flight carrying supplies and passengers crashed while attempting to land at Muyowasi-Murungu Airstrip after overshooting the runway centerline.

What happened

A charter flight departed from Dar es Salaam at 06:00, transporting nine passengers, one pilot, and various supplies intended for a hunting camp. The flight was destined for Muyowasi-Murungu Airstrip. During the approach, the aircraft was observed to be at an excessive altitude, necessitating a nose-down maneuver by the pilot to reach the appropriate flare height.

As the aircraft reached the runway, it gained significant speed and floated along the surface for a large portion of the landing strip. After the aircraft had traversed approximately two-thirds of the runway, the braking system engaged, causing the plane to veer toward the right side of the pavement. The aircraft subsequently exited the right edge of the runway and entered the adjacent vegetation. During the excursion, the nose landing gear impacted a tree stump, leading to its collapse and causing the propellers to make contact with the ground. The aircraft stopped a short distance past the runway's end. While the impact resulted in a fuel leak, no fire occurred. There were no fatalities reported among the ten people on board.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced a long float during the landing phase, which reduced the available distance for deceleration.
  • The aircraft swerved right after the brakes became effective, leading to the departure from the runway surface.

Probable cause

The aircraft drifted off the runway after a long float during landing, resulting in a collision with obstacles in the adjacent bush.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-08-13 Cessna 406 Caravan accident near Muyowosi-Murungu, Tanzania?

A charter flight carrying supplies and passengers crashed while attempting to land at Muyowasi-Murungu Airstrip after overshooting the runway centerline.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-08-13 Cessna 406 Caravan accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-08-13 involved a Cessna 406 Caravan, registration 5H-TZC, operated by Tanzanair - Tanzanian Air Services, at Muyowosi-Murungu, Tanzania.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft drifted off the runway after a long float during landing, resulting in a collision with obstacles in the adjacent bush.

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