Aircraft crash at sea during final approach

22 fatalities • Lobito, Angola • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into the ocean approximately 3 km from the coast during a low-visibility approach, resulting in 22 fatalities.

What happened

During an approach to landing, an aircraft descended below the required altitude and struck the surface of the sea. The impact occurred at a distance of roughly 3 km from the shoreline. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were poor, resulting in visibility levels that were below established minimum requirements for safe operation.

Despite the lack of visibility, the crew proceeded with the approach until the aircraft made contact with the water. The crash resulted in a total of 22 fatalities. Emergency responders and rescue efforts managed to save three individuals, consisting of two passengers and one member of the crew.

Findings

Investigations into the event indicate that the primary factor was the decision to continue the approach while visibility remained below legal minima. The descent continued into the sea due to the inability to maintain safe clearance from the water surface under these degraded meteorological conditions.

Probable cause

The crew continued an approach into low-visibility conditions that were below established minimums, leading to a controlled flight into terrain/water.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-05-21 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near Lobito, Angola?

An aircraft crashed into the ocean approximately 3 km from the coast during a low-visibility approach, resulting in 22 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-05-21 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 22 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-05-21 involved a Fokker F27 Friendship, registration CR-LLD, operated by DTA Angola Airlines - Direcção dos Transportes Aéreos, at Lobito, Angola.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew continued an approach into low-visibility conditions that were below established minimums, leading to a controlled flight into terrain/water.

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