Sudan Airways A-310 Plane Consumed by Flames on Landing

BBC Radio
World Today
June 11, 2008

 

An Airbus A-310 owned by Sudan Airways and carrying over 200 passengers caught on fire and was engulfed by flames after is veered off the runway at Khartoum International Airport.

Initial reports stated that over 100 people had died in the crash, however those numbers were determined incorrect. Major General Mohamed Osman Mahjoub, who is the head of the airport's medical services, was later reported as saying 28 bodies from the accident were taken to the local mortuary while another 66 people were unaccounted for. Reports have varied on what actually ignited the aircraft but the plane did experience a rough landing and then some type of explosion.

BBC Radio interviewed pilot and aviation attorney Ron Goldman about certain problems maintaining aviation safety in a country like Sudan, including using parts not certified as air worthy by the FAA, the high cost of fuel, and outsourcing maintenance.

Air Date: 6-11-08
Incident Date: 6-10-08