On May 6, 1993, a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle (registration HK-3835X) operated by SERCA Colombia - Servicio Especializado de Carga Aérea was involved in an aviation accident near Cayenne-Rochambeau-Félix Eboué, French Guyana during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced an excessive sink rate during final approach, leading to a hard landing and subsequent nose gear collapse. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A delivery flight bound for Colombia experienced a hard landing and nose gear failure during its final approach to Cayenne, resulting in significant aircraft damage.
What happened
During a delivery mission destined for Colombia, an aircraft was performing its final approach at Cayenne-Rochambeau-Félix Eboué Airport. While flying at an altitude of approximately 9 metres, the aircraft experienced a sudden increase in its sink rate. This resulted in a heavy nose-first impact upon touching the runway.
Following the initial contact, the nose landing gear failed, causing the aircraft to slide across the ground for several dozen metres before the motion ceased. While the four occupants on board managed to exit the aircraft without sustaining any injuries, the aircraft was determined to be a total loss due to damage sustained during the impact.
Findings
The aircraft entered a high sink rate during the final stages of the approach.
The structural failure of the nose gear was a direct consequence of the hard touchdown.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced an excessive sink rate during final approach, leading to a hard landing and subsequent nose gear collapse.