3 fatalities

Cargo Aircraft Downed Over Tete Province (9Q-CAM)

Tete, MozambiqueFlight

On November 26, 1977, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 9Q-CAM) operated by African Lux was involved in an aviation accident near Tete, Mozambique in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by Mozambican Army Forces while overflying the west part of Mozambique (Tete Province). This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo aircraft was shot down by Mozambican forces while flying from Harare to Zaïre over Tete Province. The incident resulted in the deaths of all three crew members on board.

Incident Overview

During a scheduled cargo operation, an aircraft departed Harare with the destination of Zaïre. While traversing the airspace above the Tete Province in western Mozambique, the flight encountered hostile action.

Event Details

Mozambican military forces engaged the aircraft, resulting in it being shot down. The plane subsequently crashed into the terrain below. This event occurred while the crew was actively conducting their commercial cargo duties between the two international locations.

Casualties

The impact of the crash and the preceding engagement proved fatal for everyone on board. All three members of the flight crew lost their lives in the incident. No other personnel or passengers were reported to be present, as the operation was strictly a cargo mission.

Probable cause

Shot down by Mozambican Army Forces while overflying the west part of Mozambique (Tete Province).