What happened
On 15 November 2009, a Cessna Caravan 208B departed from Eros Airport, bound for a multi-stop route including Ondjiva, Lubango, and Luanda. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers, along with a significant amount of cargo consisting of various items such as meat, paint, building supplies, and glass bottles. This cargo was distributed within the cargo pod as well as throughout the cabin, where it was positioned on and between the passenger seats.
Shortly after departing from runway 19, the aircraft performed a right turn and experienced a nose-up pitch. Following this maneuver, the aircraft entered a left spin. The flight ended when the aircraft struck the terrain, coming to a halt in a position facing the direction of the initial takeoff. The accident resulted in three fatalities and one injury.
Findings
Investigations into the event highlighted that the cargo inside the cabin area was not secured. The weight and distribution of the unsecured items, which included heavy materials and liquids, were positioned throughout the passenger compartment. At the time of the departure, weather conditions were reported as clear with surface winds from 180 degrees at 8 knots. The pilot held a valid commercial pilot license with a medical certificate that required the use of corrective lenses.