What happened
On the scheduled flight from Tripoli International Airport to Marsa Brega, an Avro RJ85 carrying 38 passengers and 3 crew members experienced a series of critical mechanical failures. The flight, which included several children and an infant, departed Tripoli at 09:29 UTC. During the transit via Beniwalid and Tilal, the flight crew identified a fuel imbalance and performed cross-feeding procedures to stabilize the levels, successfully balancing the fuel by 11:17 UTC.
As the aircraft began its descent from 7,000 feet approximately 40 nautical miles from its destination, the left engine experienced a flameout at 11:36 UTC. Shortly after the crew confirmed the failure of the left engine, the right engine also flamed out at 11:37 UTC. Following the loss of both engines, the captain instructed the first officer to notify the Marsa Brega operations center regarding the emergency and the intention to perform a ditching. Despite attempts to relight the engines, the aircraft's GPWS activated due to the unsafe flight condition.
The aircraft ultimately ditched in the sea at coordinates 30 23.457 N 019 28.953 E at 11:38 UTC. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. Among the occupants, 22 fatalities were recorded, including the cabin crew, while the two pilots and 17 other passengers were successfully rescued.
Findings
- The flight was operated by the Sirte Oil Company, with many passengers being employees of the Marsa Brega Oil Complex.
- The aircraft was owned by the Swiss operator Avisto.
- The primary sequence leading to the accident was a dual engine flameout during the descent phase.