Accident
A four-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Runway 13 at Juba Airport in South Sudan. The aircraft encountered difficulty gaining height and, after traveling approximately 800 meters, impacted a hill before coming to rest on the shore of the White Nile.
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were marginal with rain showers. Two passengers sustained serious injuries, while 41 other occupants—including all six crew members—were killed.
Investigation
South Sudanese authorities reported that the aircraft was unable to climb because it was overloaded. They noted that the captain had informed air traffic control prior to departure that he was carrying 12 passengers.
Separately, the aircraft manufacturer Antonov stated that the aircraft was not airworthy at the time of the accident. Antonov attributed this to the owner, Tajik Asia Airways, not being compliant with published procedures.