Kariba | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

Shortly after takeoff from Kariba Airport, while climbing, the airplane was struck by two SAM-7 missiles. Out of control, it plunged into the ground and crashed in a huge explosion few km from the airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all 59 occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

Shut down by two SAM-7 missiles from the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) guerrilla.

Crash of a Vickers 782D Viscount near Kariba: 48 killed

Date & Time: Sep 3, 1978 at 1715 LT

Type of aircraft:

Vickers Viscount

Operator:

Registration:

VP-WAS

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Victoria Falls – Kariba – Salisbury

MSN:

297

YOM:

1958

Flight number:

RH825

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

The four engine aircraft departed Kariba Airport at 1710LT bound for Salisbury. While climbing, the crew declared an emergency after a SAM-7 missile struck the right wing. With both right engines out of service, the pilots reduced the altitude and attempted an emergency landing when the aircraft crashed in the Whamira Hills, about 35 km southeast of Kariba. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and 38 occupants were killed while 18 other survived. Members of the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) arrived quickly on the scene and killed 10 of the 18 survivors. A day later, rescuers arrived at the crash site and were able to evacuate eight survivors.

Probable cause:

Shot down by a Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) SAM-7 missile.