Investigation Summary
The accident sequence began during the initial approach when the crew noticed a discrepancy with the nose landing gear indicator light, prompting an aborted landing. During the maneuver to reposition for a second attempt, the No. 1 (left) engine suffered a catastrophic failure when a fan blade detached due to structural fatigue. This blade had been installed two years prior by a third-party maintenance contractor. The failure resulted in a significant loss of thrust on the left side while the No. 2 engine remained at high power. The flight crew did not immediately identify the single-engine condition. As they attempted a go-around with degraded performance, the resulting thrust asymmetry and low airspeed caused the aircraft to enter a sharp left-hand turn and a steep dive. The Boeing 737 struck trees and crashed into a swamp approximately 1.7 kilometers from the airport.
Final Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the primary cause was a loss of control during a go-around maneuver performed with degraded aircraft performance. Contributing factors included the structural fatigue failure of a fan blade in the No. 1 engine and the crew's late or slow execution of go-around procedures while operating in an unidentified single-engine configuration, which led to an irreversible loss of airspeed.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Sali Younoussa Aman, hired in 1983.
First Officer
Claude Emile Lombo, hired in 1978.
Systems & Failure Modes
Pratt & Whitney JT8D-15A Engine
The No. 1 engine suffered a power loss due to the fatigue failure of a fan blade.
Nose Landing Gear Indicator
A faulty or disagreeing nose gear light triggered the initial decision to abort the first landing attempt.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was named Nyong and was delivered new to Cameroon Airlines in 1985.
- 02The failed compressor blade had been installed in 1993 by Sabena, the airline's maintenance contractor.
- 03All five survivors were seated in the rear section of the aircraft.
- 04The accident resulted in a long-term legal dispute between Boeing and Cameroon Airlines regarding training and alarm systems.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Maintenance Oversight
The investigation highlighted the importance of monitoring structural fatigue in engine components, specifically compressor blades, during third-party maintenance overhauls.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Boeing vs. Cameroon Airlines Litigation
Reference ↗In 2024, Boeing sued the liquidators of Cameroon Airlines in Seattle to block a $179 million claim. The airline alleged Boeing failed to provide adequate engine-out alarms and training, while Boeing argued the 1984 purchase agreement waived such claims and that the crash was caused by maintenance and pilot error.