Accident Overview
On the morning of the accident, a charter flight operated by a single-engine aircraft (registration 5H-GTS) departed from Rubondo Airstrip en route to Arusha via Kigoma. The aircraft had earlier flown from Arusha to Mwanza, then to Rubondo, carrying four passengers who had been on a photography expedition on the island. After a refueling stop at Mwanza, the pilot filed a flight plan for three sectors: Mwanza–Rubondo (25 minutes), Rubondo–Kigoma (1 hour 15 minutes), and Kigoma–Arusha (2 hours 15 minutes). The aircraft left Mwanza at 0657 hours, landing at Rubondo about 25 minutes later. Four passengers boarded the flight to Arusha, and takeoff was initiated from runway 06 at approximately 0915 hours.
Eyewitness Account
An observer at the airstrip reported that the aircraft rose momentarily after takeoff and then descended, striking trees. A change in engine sound was heard, followed by a loud bang. A large ball of fire erupted in the forest ahead, and several explosions were heard. The fire was so intense that no rescue efforts were possible, and it was localized around the accident area. The aircraft was completely destroyed, and all five occupants—the pilot and four passengers—were killed.
Official Findings
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the failure of the aircraft to accelerate shortly after lift-off. The aircraft may have been rotated in a partially stalled condition when it reached the end of the runway.