No fatalities

Overrun After Diversion to La Lopé Airport (TR-LEH)

La Lopé, GabonLanding (descent or approach)

On April 23, 1998, a Short 330 (registration TR-LEH) operated by SAFT Gabon - Société Anonyme de Fret et de Transport was involved in an aviation accident near La Lopé, Gabon 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 1781205241Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft overran the wet runway at La Lopé Airport after diverting due to poor weather, collapsing the nose gear. All 16 occupants evacuated safely.

Incident Overview

While approaching Booué Airport, the flight crew encountered poor weather conditions that made a landing impossible. The crew decided to return to Libreville, but air traffic control confirmed that weather conditions there were also poor. Consequently, the crew diverted to La Lopé Airport.

Landing and Overrun

Upon arriving at La Lopé, the aircraft landed on a wet runway surface. The runway at La Lopé Airport has a length of 800 metres. After touchdown, the aircraft experienced difficulties in stopping within the remaining distance and overran the runway end.

Aftermath

As the aircraft contacted soft ground beyond the runway, the nose gear collapsed. The aircraft continued to roll for approximately 50 metres before coming to rest in a rocky area. All 16 occupants evacuated the aircraft safely. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.