On December 2, 1993, a Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant (registration LX-UGO) operated by CAE Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Vahun, Liberia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced a high sink rate and a right-hand roll during the final approach, leading to a collision with trees short of the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine aircraft crashed during its final approach to Vahun Airfield after experiencing a high sink rate, resulting in the destruction of the plane.
What happened
During the final approach to Vahun Airfield, a twin engine aircraft was flying at an altitude of approximately 40 feet with an indicated airspeed of 77 knots. During this phase of flight, the aircraft began to experience a high sink rate. In an attempt to correct the descent, the captain applied increased power to the engines. However, the aircraft subsequently rolled to the right and struck trees located a few hundred meters before the runway threshold.
While the impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft, there were no fatalities among the passengers or crew. All 13 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage following the collision.
Findings
The aircraft entered a high sink rate during the final approach.
A right-hand roll occurred following an attempt to increase engine power.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced a high sink rate and a right-hand roll during the final approach, leading to a collision with trees short of the runway.