Accident
A twin-engine aircraft conducting a charter flight crashed on a mountain slope in the Vumba Botanical Reserve, approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Mutare Airport. The aircraft struck obstacles and impacted terrain while descending to 5,200 feet in marginal weather conditions. The accident occurred about ten minutes before its estimated time of arrival at Mutare.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The flight was a charter operation from Beira, Mozambique, to Harare, Zimbabwe, with an intermediate stop in Mutare. The flight was performed on behalf of the Mozambican company Cornelder.
Passenger Information
Among the passengers was Adelino Mesquita, brother of the Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Mozambique. One passenger initially survived the crash but later died from injuries sustained in the accident.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).