On December 27, 1998, an Antonov AN-12 (registration TN-AFJ) operated by ACA-Ancargo Air was involved in an aviation accident near Cafunfo, Angola in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was shot down by a UNITA surface-to-air missile during its cargo flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A four-engine cargo aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile while flying from Luanda to Lucapa, killing all four crew members in the Cafunfo region.
What happened
During a routine cargo operation traveling from Luanda to Lucapa, a four-engine aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile. The projectile hit the plane mid-flight, causing it to lose control and crash in the Cafunfo region of Angola. All four crew members on board were killed instantly.
Findings
The incident was determined to be an act of hostile fire. Official investigations concluded that the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile operated by UNITA forces. The fatal outcome was directly attributed to this military engagement rather than mechanical failure or pilot error.
Probable cause
The aircraft was shot down by a UNITA surface-to-air missile during its cargo flight.
What happened in the 27 Dec 1998 Antonov AN-12 accident near Cafunfo, Angola?
A four-engine cargo aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile while flying from Luanda to Lucapa, killing all four crew members in the Cafunfo region.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Dec 1998 Antonov AN-12 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Dec 1998 involved an Antonov AN-12, registration TN-AFJ, operated by ACA-Ancargo Air, at Cafunfo, Angola.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft was shot down by a UNITA surface-to-air missile during its cargo flight.
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