On August 9, 2024, a Renegade Air Dash 8-300 aircraft, operating under the Kenyan airline and on behalf of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), faced a serious situation. The plane, flying from Maban to Malakal Airport (HSSM) in South Sudan, experienced a critical issue shortly after takeoff. The aircraft had to make an emergency landing safely, but without its main landing gear deployed.
The incident occurred shortly after the plane took off from Maban, a town known for its humanitarian missions. The pilots tried to extend the landing gear but were unsuccessful. They then prepared for an emergency landing. Despite the difficult situation, the crew handled it with exceptional skill. They managed to land the aircraft safely on the runway.
There were 35 passengers and three crew members on board. Thankfully, everyone was evacuated without injury. Visuals from the scene showed that the aircraft suffered significant damage. It came to a stop on its belly after landing. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety procedures and training, especially in challenging environments like South Sudan.
The aircraft was part of a crucial humanitarian mission for the WFP. The organization plays a vital role in delivering food and aid to people in conflict zones. In South Sudan, where access to remote areas is often restricted due to conflict and seasonal flooding, air transport is essential. This mission highlights the critical need for reliable air travel in delivering aid to vulnerable populations.
Following the incident, investigations are underway to determine why the landing gear failed. The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority and Renegade Air are working together on this inquiry. They aim to identify any mechanical problems and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In a related incident, Brazil recently experienced a tragic airplane crash. On August 9, 2024, when a voepass Flight 2283 tragically crashed near Vinhedo, São Paulo, killing all 62 people on board. The ATR-72 turboprop was en route from Cascavel to Guarulhos when it suddenly went down in a residential area, causing widespread devastation.