On July 17, 2023, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (registration 5Y-RNA) operated by Aero Jet Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Walgak, South Sudan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew's attempt to gain altitude during the approach phase led to a collision with a tree. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A cargo flight departing Juba Airport crashed in an open field during its approach to Walgak, resulting in injuries to all five people on board.
What happened
A cargo operation involving a single-engine airplane departed from Juba Airport at 14:00 local time, destined for Walgak. The flight was carrying a total of five people, consisting of two pilots and three passengers.
During the approach phase of the flight, the aircraft encountered an incident while attempting to adjust its altitude. The plane struck a tree before coming to rest in an open field. The impact resulted in the total loss of the aircraft, which was damaged beyond repair. All five occupants sustained injuries during the crash.
Findings
While the exact circumstances surrounding the descent remain unclear, the crew reportedly attempted to increase the aircraft's height during the approach, which led to the collision with the tree.
Probable cause
The crew's attempt to gain altitude during the approach phase led to a collision with a tree.