Accident
An aircraft on a flight at FL140 began its descent to Lubango Airport in conditions of poor visibility caused by heavy rainfall. While descending, the airplane impacted the slope of a mountain near Bibala at an altitude of 7,400 feet. The wreckage was located approximately 22 kilometers northwest of Lubango Airport, about 20 meters below the mountain's summit. The aircraft was destroyed, and all 15 occupants were killed.
Investigation
Investigators determined that the crew initiated the approach prematurely for reasons that remain unknown. This premature descent caused the aircraft to go below the minimum safe altitude for the area. The poor visibility resulting from heavy rain was identified as a contributing factor to the accident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is as follows: For unknown reasons, the crew started the approach prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the minimum safe altitude. Poor visibility due to heavy rain falls was a contributing factor.