Investigation Summary
The flight initially attempted to depart Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport earlier in the day but was forced to return shortly after takeoff for unspecified reasons. After a delay of one hour and fifteen minutes, the aircraft departed again at 12:46 local time. The flight was expected to arrive at Dompta at 14:34, but radar and radio contact were lost during the cruise phase. The investigation, led by Cameroonian authorities with assistance from the Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB-N) and Canadian specialists, has focused on environmental and human factors. While the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) was recovered, it was found to be substantially damaged and required specialized data extraction in Canada. In August 2022, the Cameroonian Transport Minister indicated that mechanical failure had been largely ruled out, shifting the focus toward adverse weather conditions and potential pilot error. As of 2026, no final report has been issued by the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority, and the investigation appears to have stalled.
Final Conclusions
The investigation is officially ongoing, though no updates have been provided since late 2022. As of August 2022, the Cameroonian Ministry of Transport stated that investigators have excluded mechanical failure as a primary cause. The inquiry is focused on the role of adverse weather conditions and human factors. As of 2026, a final report has not been published by the Cameroonian authorities, and the investigation is considered dormant.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)
The CVR was recovered but sustained substantial structural damage during the impact, necessitating external assistance for data recovery.
Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34
The aircraft was powered by two PT6A-34 turboprop engines; investigators have stated that mechanical failure was not a factor in the accident.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter 400 manufactured in 2015.
- 02All nine passengers were employees of the Cameroon Oil Transportation Company (COTCO).
- 03The occupants included citizens of both Cameroon and Nigeria.
- 04The CVR was sent to Canada for analysis due to the severity of the impact damage.
- 05This was the first major aviation accident in Cameroon since the crash of Kenya Airways Flight 507 in 2007.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Nigerian AIB-N Safety Unit
Following the accident, the Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB-N) established a dedicated accident investigation unit in collaboration with Nigerian airlines to integrate lessons learned from this crash into regional safety protocols.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Victim Identification and Restitution
Reference ↗Following the crash, families of the victims criticized the Cameroonian government for a disorganized and inadequate process regarding the identification and return of remains.
Location
ACCIDENT SITE · Coordinates taken from the wikidata coordinate.