What happened
During a nighttime landing attempt on runway 04 at Nyala Airport, an aircraft was struck by gunfire from the Sudan Armed Forces. Following the impact, the aircraft type veered toward the left side of the runway. The plane eventually crashed into a ditch situated approximately 900 meters beyond the runway threshold, where it immediately burst into flames. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were 19 fatalities among the occupants, including 17 members of the Rapid Support Forces.
While the aircraft was reportedly operating under the registration N726CK, records indicate it was previously registered to a Kenyan operator with a 7Q registration in Malawi.
Findings
According to reports from the Sudan Government, the aircraft was targeted because it was suspected of transporting military equipment and weapons intended for rebel forces. The intentional shooting down of the aircraft by military forces was the primary event leading to the crash and subsequent loss of life.