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44 fatalities

Aircraft Crash at Pemba Airport (042)

Pemba, MozambiqueLanding (descent or approach)

On March 30, 1986, an Antonov AN-26 (registration 042) operated by Mozambique Air Force - Força Aérea de Moçambique was involved in an aviation accident near Pemba, Mozambique during landing or approach. 44 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine fire for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Pemba Airport after an engine fire broke out during a return. 44 people were killed and 5 passengers were rescued.

Incident Overview and Emergency Declaration An aircraft departed from Pemba Airport and was in the climb phase when the crew reported an emergency due to engine problems. The flight crew was subsequently cleared to return to the airport and began a turn. During this maneuver, one of the engines caught fire. The aircraft then went out of control and crashed, bursting into flames. ## Casualties and Rescue Operations The crash resulted in 44 fatalities. Five passengers were rescued from the wreckage. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the incident.

Probable cause

Engine fire for unknown reasons
In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same operator

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