Accident
Shortly after departing from Malabo Airport, an airplane experienced difficulty gaining sufficient altitude. The aircraft maintained a flat attitude before impacting a hillside approximately 19 kilometers east of the airport, near the town of Baney. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. All 60 occupants on board were killed, including several students traveling to the continent for school holidays.
Investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the accident. The official report highlighted two key issues: the passenger manifest discrepancy and the aircraft's maintenance history.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official findings, includes: the manifest showed a total of 35 passengers instead of the actual 54. The aircraft was purchased by Aerolineas de Guinea Ecuatorial in February 2002 and was due for its 1,000-hours maintenance check around January 2004. However, due to financial difficulties, the company was unable to perform this maintenance. Subsequently, the aircraft was sold to Equatair without the required maintenance program having been completed in a timely manner.