No fatalities

1994-10-15: Rockwell Sabreliner 40 (N7143N) — Essam al-Ridi — Khartoum, Sudan

Khartoum, SudanLanding (descent or approach)

On October 15, 1994, a Rockwell Sabreliner 40 (registration N7143N) operated by Essam al-Ridi was involved in an aviation accident near Khartoum, Sudan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781208625Data APIEditorial standards

In 1994, a light aircraft previously purchased for Osama bin Laden underwent a test flight in Khartoum, Sudan, after maintenance. Both braking systems failed, causing the aircraft to run into a sandpile and sustain substantial damage.

Background

In 1992, Egyptian-American airline pilot Essam al-Ridi was tasked with purchasing a light aircraft on behalf of Osama bin Laden, who intended to use it for transporting Stinger missiles from Afghanistan to Sudan. The aircraft was bought and ferried to Khartoum, Sudan, where it remained parked for an extended period.

Incident

In 1994, al-Ridi was asked to prepare the aircraft for use. Inspection revealed deflated tires, sand-filled engine intakes and exhausts, and dead batteries. The tires were inflated, and the hydraulics were charged with hydraulic fluid only (no nitrogen used). The engines were started, and the aircraft took off for a test flight.

After performing three touch-and-go landings, the aircraft landed. The main braking system failed, and the alternate braking system also did not function. Fuel was cut off, and the engines were shut down. The aircraft failed to stop and traveled off the runway at a speed of 60 knots, eventually running into a sandpile.

Aftermath

The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was left behind at Khartoum.