Bush Driver
13th Jul 2006, 09:37
Yesterday a Transafrik C130 crashed 300 m parallel to the runway in Kigoma.
Circumstances unknown.
Here's wishing the crew all come through OK.
http://www.monuc.org/Photos.aspx?lang=en&categoryId=45
Soap Box Cowboy
15th Jul 2006, 17:41
Here is some new info on the crash. Talked to a pilot who flew up the next day and who asked around for what happened.
Apparently the Herc was inbound from Congo, five crew and two Toyota land cruisers on board. The pilot called the tower saying he was 20 miles out and had lost both engines on one side. He was told to call right base for runway 16.
The aircraft came in for right base and apparently was unable to turn onto finals it continued straight ahead and flew into a hill 300 meters from the runway. No fatalities reported but the Captain apparently sustained severe injuries.
Aircraft caught fire and was damaged beyond repair.
The UN has been operating out of Kigoma for several years in support of UN work in Eastern Congo. Strong and turbulent winds were also reported on the day of the crash which would have made it all the more difficult for the crew.
From the sound of it the crew did a good job bringing their bird back, and incredible that there were not more injuries or fatalities especcially in view of the damage the fire caused.
Cause for the twin engine failure is not know.
Bush Driver
16th Jul 2006, 00:56
Well I work In the Congo for the UN, and others seem to be better informed than I. Just goes to show how info travels down official channels.
Hear one crew member injured. Hope all will be well with him.
Zaherk
16th Jul 2006, 17:56
Don't worry Bush Driver, you were not far off, all 4 engines were working.
Co-pilots landing, he was right off centre line, Captain took over and initiate a go around, full power at about 200 feet and the crew forgot the flap 50 part which any Herc driver will tell you is fatal. Left turn and it went into an uprising 300 meters from the runway. As the A/C hit the ground the props hit the ground, some off them broke off, the wings broke off , flip over and look the other way. the tail and nose broke off, that was what saved the crews lives. When the fuselage came to a rest it was turned 180 degrees. One crew member was injured, luckily not to seriously. The guy that saw the wreckage said there wasn't any props feathered, he is a herc driver. There was no freight onboard either. The whole crew bailed out of the captains DV window, which when the dust setteled, before the fire reached the cockpit they could have actually walked out the back.
At least the crew is alright, the paperwork will keep them busy for awhile. Goodluck to them.