Incident
An aircraft on a flight from Saurimo to Luanda was hit by a surface-to-air missile approximately 20 minutes into the journey while cruising. The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in an open field near Mona Quimbundo. The wreckage was located about 50 kilometers southwest of Saurimo.
Occupants and Fatalities
The aircraft carried 44 passengers and a crew of five, bringing the total number of occupants to 49. All 49 individuals were killed in the crash.
Flight Details
The flight from Saurimo was the final leg of the day after two previous flights from Lucapa and Dundo. The intended destination was Luanda.
Investigation Findings
Official investigation determined the probable cause to be the aircraft being shot down by a surface-to-air missile. The hostile action was claimed by UNITA rebels, who alleged that the aircraft was transporting a load of diamonds stolen from their territory.