Introduction
On 10 February 2025, an Air Urga Antonov AN-26B-100, registration UR-ELB, operating on behalf of the United Nations, suffered a left main landing gear collapse and runway excursion while landing at Ndele Airport (CAR). The aircraft veered off the runway, sustaining substantial damage, and three crew members were injured.
The accident investigation is ongoing, with initial reports indicating the aircraft struck an artificial mound of soil during the approach, leading to the gear failure and loss of directional control.
Flight & Incident Overview
• Aircraft: Antonov AN-26B-100
• Operator: Air Urga (on behalf of United Nations)
• Registration: UR-ELB
• Flight Route: Bangui (FEFF) → Ndele (FEFN), Central African Republic
• Date: 10 February 2025
• Occupants: 6 crew (no passengers)
• Injuries: 3 crew injured, hospitalized
• Aircraft Damage: Substantial
• Final Outcome: Aircraft veered off the runway after left main gear collapse
Sequence of Events
1. Approach & Landing
• The Antonov AN-26 was on a routine cargo flight from Bangui to Ndele, a standard UN operational route.
• The crew reported no technical malfunctions before landing.
• On approach to Ndele’s Runway 17, the crew sighted several artificial mounds of soil and gravel in the approach path.
• These mounds were reported to be 2 meters high, and the crew had not been informed of their presence before the flight.
2. Impact with the Obstacle
• Despite evasive maneuvers, the left main landing gear struck one of the mounds during the final approach phase.
• The impact caused severe damage to the landing gear.
3. Landing & Runway Excursion
• The aircraft touched down normally despite the gear damage.
• During the landing roll, the aircraft veered to the left, losing directional control.
• The damaged left gear collapsed, and the aircraft skidded off the runway.
4. Crew Response & Aftermath
• The crew attempted to maintain runway alignment but was unable to compensate for the gear failure.
• The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage.
• Three of the six crew members were injured and required hospitalization.
• All crew members survived, and emergency services responded to the scene.
Investigation & Findings
1. Presence of Unreported Artificial Obstacles
• The Air Urga airline confirmed that the crew was unaware of the mounds before departure.
• The obstacles were not documented in NOTAMs or briefings before the flight.
• The crew only became aware of the obstacles during the approach, leaving minimal time for avoidance maneuvers.
2. Structural Impact on the Aircraft
• The left main landing gear was destroyed upon impact with the mound.
• The loss of the gear resulted in loss of directional control, leading to the runway excursion.
• The aircraft sustained major structural damage, including gear assembly failure and fuselage stress fractures.
3. Investigation Status
• On 14 March 2025, Ukraine’s NBAAI (National Bureau of Air Accidents Investigation) confirmed the aircraft collided with an artificial obstacle in the runway area, which caused the landing gear failure.
• The Central African Republic’s aviation authorities are leading the investigation, with Ukraine’s NBAAI assisting.
Conclusion
The Air Urga Antonov AN-26B-100 (UR-ELB) suffered a left main gear collapse and veered off the runway at Ndele Airport on 10 February 2025. The accident was caused by an unexpected obstacle (a 2-meter mound of soil) on the approach path, which was not communicated to the crew before the flight.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and three of the six crew members were injured. The Ukrainian NBAAI and Central African Republic’s authorities are investigating the incident to determine the full circumstances and whether the obstacles were improperly placed or unreported.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on publicly available information as of 19 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
