Incident Details
A cargo aircraft, operating on a flight from Luzamba Airport to Luanda on behalf of the Angolan operator Avita Serviços Aéreos, was struck by a surface-to-air missile shortly after takeoff. The missile hit one of the engines.
Emergency Landing
The crew responded by reducing altitude and successfully executed an emergency landing in an open field approximately 30 kilometers from Luzamba.
Evacuation and Aftermath
All five occupants evacuated the aircraft safely. However, they were subsequently captured by UNITA rebels.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause: the aircraft was shut down by a UNITA surface-to-air missile.