AN-26B Crash Near Juba Airport (EX-126)

Accident Overview and Location On the day of the incident, an AN-26B aircraft operated by South-West Aviation Co. Ltd, bearing the registration EX-126, departed Juba Airport using runway 31. During the initial climb, the aircraft lost altitude and impacted a prairie near Referendom, approximately 4 kilometers northwest of the airport. The crash site was located in the Central Equatorial State of the Republic of South Sudan. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact forces and a subsequent post-crash fire, which engulfed the wreckage in flames. The accident resulted in the deaths of nine occupants and left one passenger with serious injuries. The flight was scheduled to travel to Aweil with an intermediate stop in Wau. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was transporting a cargo of food and money intended for wages on behalf of the World Food Programme (WFP). Reports indicated that the aircraft was carrying 8 tons of cargo, which exceeded the maximum allowable limit of 5.5 tons. ## Official Investigation Findings The Commission of Inquiry into the accident concluded that the specific cause of the crash has not been established. However, the official findings highlighted significant regulatory violations. The investigation determined that the flight was operated by an aircraft that did not possess a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. Additionally, the crew of South-West Aviation Co. Ltd did not hold a valid Operator's Certificate at the time of the operation.