6 fatalities

Aircraft crash off Vilanculos Airport (ZS-JTD)

Vilanculos, MozambiqueLanding (descent or approach)

On November 18, 1997, a Cessna 402 (registration ZS-JTD) operated by S.K. Griessels & R.D. Makin Partnership was involved in an aviation accident near Vilanculos, Mozambique during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft crashed into the sea during final approach due to poor visibility caused by heavy rainfall. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the ocean near Vilanculos Airport during its final approach, resulting in six fatalities.

What happened

During an approach to Vilanculos Airport, a twin engine aircraft encountered severe weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall and significantly reduced visibility. While performing the final approach phase of the flight, the aircraft impacted the sea a few hundred meters away from the shoreline.

Out of the seven people on board, there were six fatalities and one survivor. The single passenger on board was successfully rescued following the impact.

Findings

  • The flight was operating in adverse meteorological conditions.
  • Heavy rain caused limited visibility during the approach to the runway.

Probable cause

The aircraft crashed into the sea during final approach due to poor visibility caused by heavy rainfall.