Incident Overview
• Date: January 17th, 2025
• Aircraft: Let L-410
• Registration: 7Q-SLT
• Operator: SARAT Flight Logics
• Route: Juba (South Sudan) to Jebel-Boma County Airstrip (South Sudan)
• Passengers and Crew: 9 passengers, crew size unknown
• Location: Jebel-Boma County Airstrip, South Sudan
• Injuries: 1 minor injury (9-year-old girl)
• Aircraft Damage: Extent unknown, investigation pending
• Investigation Status: Ongoing
Summary of Events
On January 17th, 2025, a SARAT Flight Logics Let L-410 aircraft, registration 7Q-SLT, operating a charter flight from Juba to Jebel-Boma County Airstrip, experienced a runway excursion during landing. The aircraft veered off the runway and came to a stop on rough terrain and brushland. One passenger, a 9-year-old girl, sustained minor injuries while disembarking the aircraft.
Sequence of Events
1. Landing Attempt:
• The aircraft was on approach to Jebel-Boma County Airstrip in South Sudan with 9 passengers on board.
2. Runway Excursion:
• The aircraft missed or veered off the runway during landing and came to rest on rough terrain adjacent to the airstrip.
3. Passenger Injury:
• A 9-year-old girl was injured when she collided with the aircraft door while exiting the aircraft.
4. Local Response:
• Local authorities confirmed the accident occurred at 16:00L.
Initial Findings
1. Aircraft Handling:
• It remains unclear whether the runway excursion was due to pilot error, environmental factors, or technical issues with the aircraft.
2. Runway Conditions:
• The condition and length of Jebel-Boma County Airstrip are yet to be clarified but could be a contributing factor, especially in remote locations with limited infrastructure.
3. Aircraft Damage:
• While the aircraft reportedly came to a stop on rough terrain, the extent of damage has not yet been assessed.
Safety Concerns
1. Runway Suitability:
• Runway conditions, including length, surface quality, and navigational aids, must be evaluated to determine their role in the accident.
2. Passenger Safety:
• The minor injury highlights the importance of emergency procedures and aircraft door design in preventing injuries during evacuation.
3. Aircraft Suitability:
• The Let L-410 is designed for short and rough-field operations, but its performance capabilities should be reviewed against the airstrip conditions.
Investigation and Recommendations
South Sudanese aviation authorities are investigating the accident. Preliminary recommendations include:
1. Runway Assessments:
• Conduct thorough inspections of Jebel-Boma County Airstrip to evaluate its suitability for future operations.
2. Pilot Training:
• Reinforce training for short-field and remote-area operations, particularly for charter operators.
3. Aircraft Inspections:
• Perform a detailed inspection of the aircraft to assess structural integrity and functionality post-accident.
4. Passenger Safety Protocols:
• Review and improve passenger safety procedures to mitigate injuries during disembarkation in non-standard conditions.
Conclusion
This runway excursion highlights the challenges of operating in remote and underdeveloped airstrips, where infrastructure and environmental factors can present additional risks. The investigation aims to determine the root causes and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of January 19th, 2025. For inquiries or copyright concerns, contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
