Aircraft damage following ground fire during flight to Henrique de Carvalho

No fatalities • Cuito Cuanavale, Angola • Flight

An aircraft traveling from Luanda to Henrique de Carvalho sustained heavy damage after being struck by ground fire, resulting in an emergency landing.

What happened

While operating a flight from Luanda toward Henrique de Carvalho, the aircraft was targeted by ground-based fire. Following the impact, the crew initiated an emergency descent to reach a safe location. The flight crew successfully navigated the aircraft to Cuito Cuanavale for an unplanned landing.

Although the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss, there were no injuries reported among the occupants. All individuals on board managed to exit the aircraft safely following the arrival at the emergency site.

Findings

Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary reason for the aircraft's destruction was that it was struck by ground fire during its transit.

Probable cause

The aircraft was struck by ground-based projectiles while en route to its destination.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1973-03-31 Douglas DC-3 accident near Cuito Cuanavale, Angola?

An aircraft traveling from Luanda to Henrique de Carvalho sustained heavy damage after being struck by ground fire, resulting in an emergency landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 1973-03-31 Douglas DC-3 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1973-03-31 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration 6169, operated by Portuguese Air Force - Força Aerea Portuguesa (1952-), at Cuito Cuanavale, Angola.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was struck by ground-based projectiles while en route to its destination.

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