Date: 19th November 2024
Location: Lankien, South Sudan
Aircraft: Let L-410, registration TL-BMM
Operator: Salaam Air
Flight Route: Juba to Lankien, South Sudan
Occupants: 5 (exact number of passengers and crew not disclosed)
Injuries: None reported
Fatalities: None reported
Summary of Events
On 19th November 2024, a Salaam Air Let L-410 Turbolet, operating a flight from Juba to Lankien, veered off the runway during landing at Lankien airstrip. The incident caused the collapse of the aircraft’s landing gear, resulting in a fire in the interior of the cabin. Despite the severity of the event, all five occupants survived without reported injuries.
Details regarding the cause of the runway excursion and the onboard fire remain limited as of this report. The condition of the aircraft is still being assessed, but initial images suggest substantial damage.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The Let L-410 is a twin-engine short-range aircraft designed for operations in remote and challenging environments. Its rugged construction makes it suitable for unpaved and short runways like those commonly found in South Sudan. The aircraft, registration TL-BMM, was operated by Salaam Air, a regional carrier serving remote destinations within South Sudan.
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Landing:
The flight proceeded uneventfully from Juba until the final approach into Lankien. During landing, the aircraft veered off the runway under circumstances yet to be determined.
2. Runway Excursion and Landing Gear Collapse:
The excursion caused the collapse of the landing gear, leading to significant structural damage to the aircraft.
3. Onboard Fire:
A fire erupted in the interior cabin shortly after the landing gear collapse. The cause of the fire is unknown, but it may be related to a fuel or electrical system malfunction.
4. Evacuation and Survival:
All five occupants managed to evacuate the aircraft safely. Emergency response at the airstrip was limited due to the remote location.
Initial Investigation
Authorities in South Sudan, with assistance from international aviation safety organizations, are conducting an investigation into the accident. Key areas of focus include:
1. Runway Conditions:
• Lankien’s unpaved runway and potential adverse weather conditions during the landing are being assessed as contributing factors.
• The suitability of the runway for the Let L-410 will also be reviewed.
2. Aircraft Condition and Maintenance:
• Investigators are reviewing maintenance records to determine if mechanical or structural failures contributed to the landing gear collapse.
3. Fire Origin:
• The source of the cabin fire is under investigation, with potential causes including fuel leaks, electrical malfunctions, or a combination of factors.
4. Pilot Decision-Making:
• The crew’s approach and landing procedures are being analyzed to determine if operational decisions or errors played a role in the excursion.
Preliminary Findings
• Survivability:
The survival of all occupants highlights the effectiveness of the evacuation and the inherent safety of the Let L-410’s design, even in severe incidents.
• Runway Challenges:
The remote and likely uneven runway at Lankien presents inherent challenges for aircraft operations, particularly for landing stability.
• Potential Maintenance Issues:
Early indications suggest the possibility of mechanical failure contributing to the landing gear collapse, though further investigation is required.
Conclusions
The runway excursion and onboard fire involving Salaam Air’s Let L-410 underscore the operational challenges of remote airstrips and the importance of robust maintenance and emergency response protocols. While all occupants survived, the incident highlights potential systemic risks in regional aviation operations within South Sudan.
Recommendations
1. Enhanced Runway Assessments:
• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of remote airstrips to ensure they meet operational safety standards.
2. Improved Maintenance Protocols:
• Operators should ensure rigorous maintenance checks, particularly on landing gear and fuel systems, for aircraft operating in challenging environments.
3. Fire Safety Training:
• Provide enhanced fire safety training for crews operating in remote regions to ensure effective response during emergencies.
4. Infrastructure Investment:
• Authorities should prioritize the development of infrastructure at remote airstrips, including emergency services and improved runway conditions.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This incident highlights the operational risks associated with regional aviation in remote areas, where infrastructure and support services are often limited. The findings from this investigation will likely lead to improvements in operational procedures, aircraft maintenance standards, and runway infrastructure for similar environments worldwide.
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
