Renegade Dash 8-300 Forced to Perform Emergency Landing in South Sudan After Gear Damage

Malakal, South Sudan – On August 9th, 2024, a Renegade de Havilland Dash 8-300, operating under the registration 5Y-SMI on behalf of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), experienced a significant in-flight emergency that necessitated a no-gear landing at Malakal Airport. The aircraft was en route from Maban to Malakal, carrying approximately 35 passengers and crew when the incident occurred.

Incident Overview

Shortly after departing from Maban Airstrip, the Dash 8-300 encountered severe issues with its landing gear. Initial reports suggest that the aircraft’s gear struts were extensively damaged when the plane collided with a dyke during the takeoff roll. The impact reportedly caused substantial damage to all of the aircraft’s landing gear struts. The only remaining intact struts were those of the main gear, but these were compromised as well, with the wheel assemblies entirely sheared off.

Despite the critical nature of the damage, the flight crew made the decision to continue to Malakal, likely due to the limited emergency response infrastructure at Maban. Upon reaching Malakal, the crew executed a holding pattern to burn off excess fuel, reducing the risk of fire upon landing. After exhausting their options and considering the precarious state of the aircraft’s landing gear, the crew proceeded with a no-gear landing, skillfully bringing the aircraft down on its belly.

Engineering Analysis

From an engineering perspective, the crew’s decision to continue to Malakal was a calculated risk. The Dash 8-300 is a robust aircraft designed to withstand significant stress, but the loss of all functional landing gear places extreme demands on both the airframe and the flight crew’s skills. The decision to burn off fuel before attempting the landing was crucial in minimizing the risk of fire, which could have catastrophic consequences in such a scenario.

The collision with the dyke raises serious concerns about the conditions at Maban Airstrip, which has a history of safety incidents. The damage suggests that the dyke may have been closer to the runway than safe operating margins allow or that the aircraft may have veered slightly off the centerline during takeoff, potentially due to wind conditions or pilot error. This incident underscores the importance of regular airstrip maintenance and the need for clear obstacles-free zones around runways, especially in remote locations where infrastructure may be less developed.

Historical Context

This is not the first time Maban Airstrip has been the site of a serious aviation incident. In August 2017, a Coco South Sudan Antonov AN-26 experienced a runway excursion during landing, resulting in a fire that completely destroyed the aircraft. The recurrence of such incidents at this location highlights ongoing safety challenges that must be addressed to prevent further accidents.

Conclusion and Safety Implications

The successful emergency landing of the Renegade Dash 8-300, despite the extensive damage, is a testament to the crew’s professionalism and the aircraft’s durability. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with operating in austere environments like South Sudan.

As investigations continue, it is essential for aviation authorities and operators to review the safety standards at remote airstrips like Maban. Enhanced safety measures, including more rigorous airstrip inspections, better obstacle management, and improved pilot training for operations in challenging environments, are necessary to prevent future accidents.

The aviation community will closely follow the findings of the ongoing investigation, which will undoubtedly contribute valuable lessons to improve safety for flights in similar conditions worldwide.