Aircraft shot down during takeoff from Aweil Airport

4 fatalities • Aweil, South Sudan • Takeoff (climb)

A twin-engine aircraft performing an ambulance mission was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile shortly after departing Aweil Airport.

What happened

On the date of the incident, a twin-engine aircraft was conducting an ambulance flight destined for Khartoum. During the initial climb phase immediately following departure from Aweil Airport, the aircraft was struck by a SAM-7 surface-to-air missile.

The impact caused the plane to become uncontrollable. The wreckage subsequently crashed approximately 800 meters beyond the end of the runway. There were four fatalities resulting from the accident, as all occupants on board perished.

Findings

Investigations into the destruction of the aircraft determined that the primary cause was the impact of a SAM-7 surface-to-air missile during the early stages of flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft was struck and destroyed by a SAM-7 surface-to-air missile during its initial climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-12-21 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Aweil, South Sudan?

A twin-engine aircraft performing an ambulance mission was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile shortly after departing Aweil Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1989-12-21 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-12-21 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration F-OGSM, operated by Aviation Sans Frontières - ASF, at Aweil, South Sudan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was struck and destroyed by a SAM-7 surface-to-air missile during its initial climb.

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