Aircraft crash into Lake Victoria near Mwanza Airport

10 fatalities • Mwanza, Tanzania • Takeoff (climb)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into Lake Victoria during its initial climb following departure from Mwanza Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a charter flight operating from Mwanza to Bukoba, a twin engine airplane experienced a critical loss of control shortly after departing Mwanza Airport. While the aircraft was performing its initial climb, it transitioned into a nose-down attitude and descended rapidly into Lake Victoria. The impact occurred approximately 8 km away from the airport.

Following the crash, the wreckage settled on the lake floor at a depth of roughly 100 meters. Because the aircraft could not be retrieved from such a depth, the wreckage remains unrecovered. The flight was being operated on behalf of Caspair and the aircraft had been delivered only recently, in February.

All 10 occupants on board the aircraft perished in the accident.

Findings

Investigators were unable to establish a definitive reason for the crash. Due to the depth of the wreckage and a lack of available evidence, the specific circumstances that led to the sudden nose-down pitch remain undetermined.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined due to insufficient evidence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1976-12-08 Cessna 402 accident near Mwanza, Tanzania?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into Lake Victoria during its initial climb following departure from Mwanza Airport, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1976-12-08 Cessna 402 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1976-12-08 involved a Cessna 402, registration 5Y-WAW, operated by Safari Air Services, at Mwanza, Tanzania.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined due to insufficient evidence.

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