On August 7, 1980, a Tupolev TU-154 (registration YR-TPH) operated by TAROM - Transporturile Aeriene Române was involved in an aviation accident near Nouadhibou, Mauritania during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain (water) after the crew continued the approach after passing the decision height in marginal and limited visibility. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a night approach to Nouadhibou Airport in limited visibility, a commercial aircraft crashed into the sea after the crew continued past decision height. One passenger died and 18 were injured; the aircraft was destroyed.
Accident
On a night approach to Nouadhibou Airport, the flight crew encountered limited visibility. When the aircraft reached the decision height of 300 feet on final approach, a missed approach procedure was initiated after the captain believed he had visual contact with the runway. He subsequently decided to continue the approach. The aircraft then contacted the water and crashed into the sea less than one kilometer short of the runway threshold. One passenger was killed and 18 others were injured. The airplane was destroyed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause was controlled flight into terrain (water) after the crew continued the approach after passing the decision height in marginal and limited visibility.
What happened in the 7 Aug 1980 Tupolev TU-154 accident near Nouadhibou, Mauritania?
During a night approach to Nouadhibou Airport in limited visibility, a commercial aircraft crashed into the sea after the crew continued past decision height. One passenger died and 18 were injured; the aircraft was destroyed.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Aug 1980 Tupolev TU-154 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Aug 1980 involved a Tupolev TU-154, registration YR-TPH, operated by TAROM - Transporturile Aeriene Române, at Nouadhibou, Mauritania.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Controlled flight into terrain (water) after the crew continued the approach after passing the decision height in marginal and limited visibility.
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