No fatalities

1994-03-11: Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV (TN-ADP) — Aéro-Service — Pointe-Noire, Congo

Pointe-Noire, CongoLanding (descent or approach)

On March 11, 1994, a Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV (registration TN-ADP) operated by Aéro-Service was involved in an aviation accident near Pointe-Noire, Congo during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the approach speed was excessive and that the flaps were deployed in an inappropriate angle. On descent, the crew failed to follow the approach checklist and forgot to lower the undercarriage. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781209156Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane belly landed on runway 17 at Pointe-Noire Airport after a visual approach. All six occupants escaped uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Investigation cited excessive speed, improper flap setting, and failure to lower landing gear.

Incident Overview

A twin-engine airplane executed a belly landing on runway 17 at Pointe-Noire Airport following a visual approach. The aircraft skidded along the runway for approximately 250 meters before coming to rest. All six occupants evacuated without injury, though the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Approach and Landing Sequence

The flight crew conducted a visual approach to runway 17. During the descent, the approach speed was excessive, and the flaps were deployed at an inappropriate angle. The crew failed to follow the approach checklist and consequently neglected to lower the landing gear.

Go-Around Attempt

Just prior to the flare, the landing gear alarm sounded. The crew elected to initiate a go-around procedure, but the timing was too late to prevent the belly landing.

Recovery and Aftermath

After sliding on the runway, the aircraft came to a stop. Emergency services responded; all occupants were confirmed uninjured. The aircraft was declared damaged beyond repair.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from a combination of factors: excessive approach speed, improper flap angle, and the crew's failure to follow the approach checklist, which led to the omission of lowering the landing gear. The belated go-around attempt could not avert the belly landing.

Probable cause

It was determined that the approach speed was excessive and that the flaps were deployed in an inappropriate angle. On descent, the crew failed to follow the approach checklist and forgot to lower the undercarriage. After the landing gear alarm sounded just prior to the flare, the crew elected to initiate a go-around procedure but it was obviously too late.