Investigation Summary
The investigation revealed a chaotic boarding process where the number of passengers and the weight of their baggage were never accurately recorded. The airline, UTA, was operating with significant oversight failures, including a lack of proper documentation and weight-and-balance procedures. On the day of the accident, the aircraft was estimated to be significantly over its maximum takeoff weight. The crew, under pressure to maintain the schedule and aware of the heavy load, attempted a high-power takeoff but could not achieve the necessary climb gradient. The aircraft's landing gear struck a concrete building housing radio equipment 118 meters past the runway end, leading to a loss of control and the subsequent impact with the beach and ocean.
Final Conclusions
The primary cause was the aircraft being significantly overloaded, combined with an unknown center of gravity, which prevented it from achieving a safe climb rate. Contributing factors included the total lack of operational control by the airline, the failure of the Beninese and Guinean civil aviation authorities to provide adequate oversight, and the crew's decision to proceed with the flight despite serious concerns regarding the aircraft's weight.
Video Analysis
The Crash of UTA Flight 141: Overloading and Center of Gravity Failure — This video examines the 2003 crash of a Boeing 727 in Cotonou, Benin, caused by severe overloading and an incorrect center of gravity calculation that prevented the aircraft from climbing after takeoff.
Watch on YouTube ↗If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Systems & Failure Modes
Weight and Balance
The system of calculating the aircraft's mass and center of gravity was completely bypassed, leading to an unflyable configuration.
Flaps
The crew selected a 25-degree flap setting to maximize lift for the short runway, but the weight exceeded the aerodynamic capabilities of the wing.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was estimated to be at least 5 tons over its maximum takeoff weight.
- 02The airline was using an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) that was not valid for the specific aircraft and route.
- 03The flight was carrying a large number of Lebanese citizens returning home for the holidays.
- 04The captain and first officer were aware of the weight issues, with the first officer recorded saying they might 'drop into the sea'.
- 05The aircraft struck a concrete building housing a localizer antenna, which ripped off the main landing gear.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Regulatory Oversight Reform
Source ↗The BEA recommended that ICAO and regional authorities strengthen the oversight of airlines operating under 'flags of convenience' where the state of registry lacks the resources to monitor safety.
Ground Handling Procedures
Recommendations were made to ensure ground handling agents in West African airports strictly enforce baggage weight limits and passenger manifests.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Disputed Fatality Count
Reference ↗Official reports state 141 fatalities, but due to the chaotic boarding and lack of a manifest, some sources suggest the number of souls on board and the death toll may have been higher.