Monrovia - Freetown

On November 7, 1989 at 12:00 AM, Monrovia - Freetown experienced a crash involving Britten-Norman Islander, operated by Weasua Air Transport, with the event recorded near Monrovia-James Spriggs Payne Montserrado.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

10 people were known to be on board, 2 fatalities were recorded, 8 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 20.0%.

Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 1, passengers on board: 9, passenger fatalities: 1, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. The twin engine aircraft departed Monrovia-James Spriggs Payne Airport on a schedule flight to Freetown-Lungi Airport, carrying nine passengers and one pilot. After takeoff, while in initial climb, the pilot informed ATC about an engine failure and elected to return for an emergency landing. When he realized he could not make it, he attempted to land in an open field. Upon landing, the aircraft lost its undercarriage and crashed. The pilot and one passenger were killed while eight other occupants were injured.

Aircraft reference details include registration 9L-LAV, MSN 767, year of manufacture 1974.