On May 12, 1999, an Antonov AN-26 (registration D2-FBN) operated by Avia Volga Atlantik was involved in an aviation accident near Luzamba, Angola during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shut down by a UNITA surface-to-air missile. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A cargo aircraft operating for Avita Serviços Aéreos was hit by a UNITA surface-to-air missile after takeoff from Luzamba Airport. The crew made an emergency landing; all five occupants evacuated safely but were captured by UNITA rebels.
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.