Aircraft shot down near Luassingua

23 fatalities • Luassingua, Angola • Flight

An aircraft traveling toward Menongue was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile, resulting in the deaths of all 23 people on board.

What happened

While flying toward its destination of Menongue, an unidentified aircraft was targeted and struck by a South African special forces unit using a Strela-1 surface-to-air missile mounted on a BRDM-2 vehicle. The missile impact occurred at the number two engine. Approximately 47 seconds following the initial strike, the left wing of the aircraft separated from the fuselage.

Following the structural failure, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed into a heavily forested region. The wreckage was located near Luassingua, situated roughly 43 km east of Menongue. There were 23 fatalities in the accident, which included several officers from the Angolan Army as well as Soviet military personnel.

Findings

Investigations concluded that the destruction of the aircraft was caused by the impact of a surface-to-air missile fired from the ground.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by a Strela-1 missile launched from a BRDM-2 chassis.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1985-11-25 Antonov AN-12 accident near Luassingua, Angola?

An aircraft traveling toward Menongue was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile, resulting in the deaths of all 23 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1985-11-25 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 23 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1985-11-25 involved a Antonov AN-12, registration CCCP-11747, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Luassingua, Angola.

What was the probable cause of the accident?