On November 1, 2000, a Rockwell Grand Commander 690 (registration N6900K) operated by OK Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near São Tomé, São Tomé and Principe during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was unstable on final approach and not properly aligned with the runway centerline, causing it to land hard in 'crab' configuration, resulting in the left main gear collapsing upon touchdown. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During a delivery flight from South Africa to the US, the pilot made a landing at São Tomé Airport. The aircraft was unstable on final approach and not aligned with the runway, resulting in a hard 'crab' landing that caused the left main gear to collapse. The aircraft slid on its belly; the pilot was uninjured.
Accident Details
The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was completing a delivery flight from South Africa to the United States, with stops in Luanda and São Tomé. Upon landing at São Tomé Airport, the left main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft slid on its belly for several dozen metres before coming to rest. The pilot was uninjured.
Probable Cause
According to the official findings, the aircraft was unstable on final approach and not properly aligned with the runway centerline. This caused the aircraft to land hard in a 'crab' configuration, leading to the collapse of the left main gear upon touchdown.