Emergency Landing of Renegade Air Plane in South Sudan
On August 9, 2024, a Renegade Air plane operating on behalf of the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP) made an emergency landing at Malakal Airport (HSSM) in South Sudan. There were about 30 people on board.
The DHC-8-300 aircraft, registered as 5Y-SMI and built in 1995, encountered the incident shortly after takeoff from Buny Airstrip. For unknown reasons, both main landing gear wheels separated from the aircraft and fell to the ground. The pilots decided to return to the nearest airfield, choosing Malakal Airport for the emergency landing.
Despite the severe damage sustained by the aircraft during the landing without landing gear, the crew managed to safely land the plane. This outcome was achieved thanks to the high level of professionalism displayed by the pilots and the quick response of the airport's safety services.
The accident resulted in no fatalities or serious injuries among the passengers and crew, which is a rare and fortunate outcome in such situations. The incident also highlights the importance of regular maintenance and thorough inspection of aircraft before every flight, especially in remote and challenging regions like South Sudan.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the causes that led to the separation of the landing gear wheels, with the aim of preventing similar incidents in the future.