No fatalities

1974-01-08: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (6162) — Portuguese Air Force - Força Aerea Portuguesa (1952-) — Lichinga, Mozambique

Lichinga, MozambiqueLanding (descent or approach)

On January 8, 1974, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 6162) operated by Portuguese Air Force - Força Aerea Portuguesa (1952-) was involved in an aviation accident near Lichinga, Mozambique during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was struck by ground-based weaponry during its approach to the airfield. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781231829Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained heavy damage after being struck by ground-based weapons while performing its final approach to Vila Cabral.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight into Vila Cabral, an aircraft was targeted and struck by fire originating from the ground. The impact of the projectiles caused the plane to lose stability, resulting in a crash landing at the destination site.

Despite the severity of the impact and the subsequent crash, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among those on board. However, the structural damage sustained during the event was so extensive that the aircraft was declared a total loss and rendered beyond repair.

Findings

Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary reason for the aircraft's destruction was that it was shot down by enemy fire while maneuvering for landing.

Probable cause

The aircraft was struck by ground-based weaponry during its approach to the airfield.