On January 29, 2025, a Beechcraft 1900D (registration 5X-RHB) operated by Light Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near GPOC Unity, South Sudan during takeoff. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost control during the takeoff phase, leading to a crash near the airfield. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A chartered aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from GPOC Unity Airfield, resulting in 20 fatalities and one survivor.
What happened
On the date of the accident, an aircraft operating on behalf of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) was performing a transport mission to ferry oil industry personnel from the GPOC Unity Airfield to Juba. During the initial climb phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of control. The plane impacted the ground approximately 500 metres from the departure airfield, where it came to rest in an inverted position.
Findings
The crash resulted in a high number of casualties among the occupants. Out of the total people on board, 20 fatalities were recorded, while one passenger managed to survive the impact. The investigation into the crash sequence indicates that the aircraft went out of control immediately following takeoff.
Probable cause
The aircraft lost control during the takeoff phase, leading to a crash near the airfield.