8 fatalities

1977-04-02: Tupolev TU-134 (YU-AJS) — Aviogenex — Libreville, Gabon

Libreville, GabonLanding (descent or approach)

On April 2, 1977, a Tupolev TU-134 (registration YU-AJS) operated by Aviogenex was involved in an aviation accident near Libreville, Gabon during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to monitor and maintain a safe altitude during the approach to 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781228146Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed short of the runway while approaching Libreville-Léon Mba Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During the final approach phase to Libreville-Léon Mba Airport, an aircraft impacted the ground before reaching the runway threshold. The collision resulted in a post-crash fire that consumed the airframe. There were eight fatalities among the occupants of the plane.

Findings

Investigations into the accident indicate that the crew was operating at an insufficient altitude during the descent. The primary factor in the crash was the failure to maintain proper altitude while approaching the airfield, which led to the aircraft striking the terrain short of the landing strip.

Probable cause

The crew failed to monitor and maintain a safe altitude during the approach to the runway.