Aircraft disappearance near Mohéli-Bander es Eslam Airport

14 fatalities • Mohéli-Bandar es Eslam, Comoros Islands • Flight

A single-engine aircraft disappeared after crashing into the sea during its approach to Mohéli, resulting in the loss of all 14 people on board.

What happened

On a scheduled flight from Moroni Airport, a single-engine airplane departed at 11:55 local time bound for Mohéli. The aircraft was carrying a total of 14 people, consisting of two pilots and 12 passengers. During the final approach to Mohéli-Bander es Eslam Airport, the flight crew encountered weather conditions described as marginal.

Shortly after the encounter with the weather, the aircraft went down in the ocean, approximately 2.5 km northwest of the airport. Following an extensive search operation lasting 24 hours, recovery teams located only small pieces of wreckage, including a wheel and fragments of a wing, drifting on the water's surface. Despite these efforts, there was no trace of the 14 fatalities found at the scene.

Findings

  • The flight was operating under marginal weather conditions during the approach phase.
  • The aircraft crashed into the sea during its descent toward the destination.

Probable cause

The aircraft crashed into the ocean while navigating marginal weather conditions during its approach to the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-02-26 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan accident near Mohéli-Bandar es Eslam, Comoros Islands?

A single-engine aircraft disappeared after crashing into the sea during its approach to Mohéli, resulting in the loss of all 14 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 2022-02-26 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-02-26 involved a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, registration 5H-MZA, operated by AB Aviation, at Mohéli-Bandar es Eslam, Comoros Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft crashed into the ocean while navigating marginal weather conditions during its approach to the airport.

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