Aircraft hit by surface-to-air missile during flight

No fatalities • Menongue, Angola • Flight

An aircraft was struck by a SAM-7 missile while en route, resulting in an emergency landing and the capture of crew members.

What happened

While performing its scheduled mission, the aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air SAM-7 missile launched by UNITA rebels. Following the impact, the flight crew managed to execute an emergency landing within a nearby field.

During the incident, the fate of the personnel involved varied. Four crew members were successfully rescued following the crash landing. However, two others were detained by rebel forces and held as prisoners. These two individuals were eventually released to their home side through a formal prisoner exchange program.

Findings

The primary factor in this incident was the impact of a surface-to-air missile fired from the ground during the flight phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft was struck by a SAM-7 missile launched by UNITA rebels.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1980-11-21 Antonov AN-26 accident near Menongue, Angola?

An aircraft was struck by a SAM-7 missile while en route, resulting in an emergency landing and the capture of crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1980-11-21 Antonov AN-26 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1980-11-21 involved a Antonov AN-26, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Menongue, Angola.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was struck by a SAM-7 missile launched by UNITA rebels.

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