Jamba | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

After takeoff from Jamba Airport, the four engine aircraft encountered difficulties to gain height, stalled and crashed in a field located few km from the airfield. The copilot and two passengers survived while 141 other occupants were killed, among them 83 children. The aircraft was completing a charter/humanitarian flight to Kinshasa to repatriate Congolese refugees.

Probable cause:

It is believed that the loss of control was the consequence of an overloaded aircraft that was certified to carry a maximum of 97 passengers.

Crash of a PZL-Mielec AN-2R in Johannesburg: 3 killed

Date & Time: Aug 2, 1995

Type of aircraft:

PZL-Mielec AN-2

Operator:

Registration:

RA-05708

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Johannesburg - Jamba

MSN:

1G153-21

YOM:

1974

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After takeoff from Johannesburg-Rand Airport, while in initial climb, the single engine aircraft nosed up and stalled. It collided with power cables and crashed, bursting into flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all three occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

It was determined that the crew failed to prepare the flight according to published procedures as the cargo was not properly secured in the cabin and shifted after liftoff, causing the aircraft to stall and crash.

Crash of a Douglas DC-3-65TP in Jamba: 3 killed

Date & Time: Aug 31, 1992 at 2232 LT

Type of aircraft:

Douglas DC-3

Operator:

Professional Aviation Services

Registration:

ZS-DHX

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Jamba - Pretoria

MSN:

15908/32656

YOM:

1945

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Shortly after a night takeoff from Jamba Airport, while in initial climb, the aircraft rolled to the right, causing the right wing to struck trees. The airplane lost height and crashed near the runway end. All 14 passengers were injured and all three crew members were killed.

Probable cause:

The copilot was the PIC at the time of the accident. It was reported that engine power was reduced shortly after liftoff and the copilot asked the captain to raise the flaps and to switch off the approach light just after rotation. The assumption that the PIC suffered a spatial disorientation at liftoff was not ruled out.

Crash of a Lockheed L-382B-2C Hercules in Jamba: 5 killed

Date & Time: Nov 27, 1989

Type of aircraft:

Lockheed C-130 Hercules

Operator:

Registration:

N9205T

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Kamina - Jamba

MSN:

4129

YOM:

1966

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The aircraft was completing a cargo flight from Kamina to Jamba on behalf of the CIA, carrying a load of weapons for the UNITA rebels. While approaching Jamba, the crew descended too low to avoid MPLA radar detection when on final, the aircraft struck trees and crashed in flames. All five crew members were killed. At the time of the accident, the visibility was poor due to the night and the runway was unlighted.

Crash of a Yakovlev Yak-40 in Matala: 29 killed

Date & Time: Jun 8, 1980 at 1532 LT

Type of aircraft:

Yakovlev Yak-40

Operator:

Registration:

D2-TYC

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Jamba - Lubango

MSN:

9 72 17 53

YOM:

1977

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17 minutes after its takeoff from Jamba Airport, while in cruising altitude, the three engine airplane was shot down by the pilot of a Zambian Shenyang J-6 fighter plane. Out of control, it entered a dive and crashed in a field located in Matala. All 29 occupants were killed. Angolan authorities confirmed the aircraft was shot down by mistake.

Probable cause:

Shot down by the pilot of a Zambian Shenyang J-6 fighter plane.