Crash of an Embraer EMB-110P1 Bandeirante in Freetown

Date & Time: Dec 31, 2002
Type of aircraft:
Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante
Operator:
Inter Tropic Airlines
Registration:
9L-LBR
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Freetown - Freetown
MSN:
110-411
YOM:
1982
Location:
Freetown-Hastings
Western Area
Country:
Sierra Leone
Region:
Africa
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
14
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The aircraft was performing a flight from Freetown-Lungi Airport to Freetown-Hastings located southeast of the capital city. During the night, rebels sabotaged the runway with concrete and steel projectiles. After landing, the right main gear struck several obstructions and was torn off. The aircraft came to rest and was damaged beyond repair while all 16 occupants escaped uninjured. The exact date of the mishap remains unknown, somewhere in 2002.

Crash of a Let L-410UVP in Freetown

Date & Time: Aug 24, 2000 at 1406 LT
Type of aircraft:
Let L-410
Operator:
West Coast Airways
Registration:
9L-LBN
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Positioning
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Freetown - Freetown
MSN:
851334
YOM:
1985
Location:
Freetown-Lungi
Northern Province
Country:
Sierra Leone
Region:
Africa
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew departed Freetown-Lungi Intl Airport on a short positioning flight to Freetown-Hastings Airport. After takeoff, during initial climb, the twin engine aircraft entered clouds at an altitude of about 500 feet. While exiting the clouds, the crew noticed a Mil Mi-8 helicopter flying nearby. His crew was completing a local flight on behalf of the UNO. The crew of the Let attempted an evasive manoeuvre but the rotor of the helicopter struck the base of the aircraft's tail. The crew managed to return for an emergency landing but the undercarriage partially failed upon landing. Both pilots escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The crew of the helicopter was able to land safely.
Probable cause:
It was established that the crew of the Mi-8T helicopter did not pay attention to the radio communication between the controller and the crew of the L-410 aircraft. The crew of the Mi-8T helicopter was distracted because they were talking about the barge that sank on the coast. This barge was located on the left side of the helicopter, while Lungi Airport and the Let L-410 were on the right side.

Crash of a Douglas C-49H in Freetown

Date & Time: Apr 19, 1942
Type of aircraft:
Douglas C-49 (DC-3)
Operator:
Registration:
42-38254
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Military
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
1993
YOM:
1937
Location:
Freetown-Hastings
Western Area
Country:
Sierra Leone
Region:
Africa
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Crashed on take off from Freetown-Hastings Airport for unknown reason. Crew fate unknown.

Crash of a Douglas DC-2-120 in Freetown

Date & Time: Sep 7, 1941
Type of aircraft:
Douglas DC-2
Operator:
Registration:
HK867
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
1311
YOM:
1934
Location:
Freetown-Hastings
Western Area
Country:
Sierra Leone
Region:
Africa
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
After landing at Hastings Airport, south of Freetown, the airplane went out of control and collided with parked Hurricane registered Z4257. Both airplanes were damaged beyond repair and there were no casualties.
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