On December 22, 1997, an Antonov AN-72 (registration ER-ACF) operated by Renan was involved in an aviation accident near Angola, Angola in flight. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down. 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.
A cargo flight from Abidjan to Rundu was shot down by the Angolan Army after the crew refused to divert to Angola for control purposes. The aircraft crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 11 occupants.
Incident
A cargo flight departed Abidjan, Ivory Coast, en route to Rundu, Namibia. While the aircraft was cruising along the Angolan coastline, the flight crew contacted air traffic control. At that time, the crew was instructed to divert into Angola for control purposes. According to reports, the crew refused the diversion order and continued on their original flight path. Subsequently, the Angolan Army made the decision to shoot down the aircraft. The aircraft crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Angola. All 11 occupants aboard the aircraft lost their lives.
Official Findings
The official probable cause of the accident was that the aircraft was shot down. No further details were provided in the investigation report.
What happened in the 22 Dec 1997 Antonov AN-72 accident near Angola, Angola?
A cargo flight from Abidjan to Rundu was shot down by the Angolan Army after the crew refused to divert to Angola for control purposes. The aircraft crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 11 occupants.
Were there any fatalities in the 22 Dec 1997 Antonov AN-72 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 11 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Dec 1997 involved an Antonov AN-72, registration ER-ACF, operated by Renan, at Angola, Angola.
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