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4 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident at Mbeya Airport (JW9009)

Mbeya, TanzaniaTakeoff (climb)

On July 1, 1985, an Avro 748 (registration JW9009) operated by Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces was involved in an aviation accident near Mbeya, Tanzania during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft failed to maintain altitude during the initial climb, leading to a collision with trees and a subsequent stall. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 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

A twin-engine aircraft crashed shortly after departing from Mbeya Airport, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board.

What happened

Following its departure from Mbeya Airport, a twin engine aircraft experienced significant issues maintaining altitude. During the initial climb, the plane struggled to ascend sufficiently above the surrounding terrain. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees situated immediately beyond the runway threshold.

Upon impact with the vegetation, the aircraft entered a stall condition and plummeted to the ground. There were no survivors of the accident; the crash resulted in four fatalities among the occupants of the plane.

Findings

  • The aircraft was unable to successfully gain sufficient height after takeoff.
  • Collision with trees at the end of the runway led to an aerodynamic stall and the subsequent impact.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to maintain altitude during the initial climb, leading to a collision with trees and a subsequent stall.

Related events

Same operator

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