Gabonese government bans Antonov aircraft after DHL crash

Gabonese government bans Antonov aircraft after DHL crash

2011-06-08 13:36:10 GMT+7 (ICT)

LIBREVILLE, GABON (BNO NEWS) -- The Gabonese government has banned several Antonov type aircraft from operating in the African nation after a DHL Aviation cargo plane crashed in the sea off its capital, officials said.

The accident happened on late Monday morning when an Antonov An-26 freighter crashed just off the coast of Libreville, the capital of Gabon. The aircraft was being operated by Solenta Aviation, which operates aircraft on regional routes on behalf of DHL Aviation.

Solenta Aviation flight 122A was flying from Port Gentil, the second-largest city of Gabon, and was attempting to land at Libreville International Airport when it crashed. Three crew members, one Bulgarian and two Ukrainians, and a Gabonese passenger, were rescued without serious injuries by emergency services.

According to Gabonese Transport Minister Julien Nkoghe Békalé, the accident happened while the aircraft was on its final approach to the airport. It had obtained landing clearance but then announced a go-around due to hydraulic problems before crashing in shallow waters just off the coast.

As a result of the accident, Békalé has ordered the establishment of a commission to investigate the causes of the accident. He further announced that the government would ban all Antonov 12, 24, and 26 aircraft from flying in the country. He gave no reason for the ban.

In June 2004, a Gabon Express passenger plane also crashed off the coast of Libreville, killing 19 out of the 30 people on board. The Gabonese government quickly banned Gabon Express from operating in the country, forcing the airline to cease its operations just 7 days later.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-08