8 fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft shot down near Aweil Airport (ST-AHX)

Aweil, South SudanLanding (descent or approach)

On May 5, 1991, a Cessna 404 Titan (registration ST-AHX) operated by Nile Safaris Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Aweil, South Sudan during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile fired by the Sudan People's Liberation Army during its descent to Aweil Airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A twin-engine aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile while descending to Aweil Airport, killing all eight occupants in an open field.

What happened

During the approach phase of flight toward Aweil Airport, a twin-engine aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile. The projectile hit the aircraft while it was still airborne and descending. Following the impact, the aircraft lost control and crashed into an open field situated approximately 25 kilometers away from the intended destination airport.

Findings

The incident resulted in the total loss of the aircraft and the deaths of all eight individuals on board. Official investigations determined that the aircraft was intentionally targeted and destroyed by a surface-to-air missile operated by the Sudan People's Liberation Army.

Probable cause

The aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile fired by the Sudan People's Liberation Army during its descent to Aweil Airport.