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60 fatalities

Aircraft Shot Down Near Malakal Airport (ST-ADY)

Malakal, South SudanTakeoff (climb)

On August 16, 1986, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration ST-ADY) operated by Sudan Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Malakal, South Sudan during takeoff. 60 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was shot down by soldiers of the Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA) directed by John Garang. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft was shot down by a SAM-7 missile while climbing after takeoff from Malakal Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 60 occupants.

Incident Overview Following its departure from Malakal Airport, the aircraft was struck by a SAM-7 surface-to-air missile during its initial climb. The impact caused the aircraft to crash and be completely destroyed. All 60 people on board were killed in the incident. ## Official Findings The investigation concluded that the aircraft was shot down by soldiers of the Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA). The official findings state that the action was directed by John Garang. No specific aircraft type, registration, date, or operator was provided in the source material, and therefore no such details are included in this report.

Probable cause

The aircraft was shot down by soldiers of the Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA) directed by John Garang.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Aug 1986 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near Malakal, South Sudan?

An aircraft was shot down by a SAM-7 missile while climbing after takeoff from Malakal Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 60 occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Aug 1986 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 60 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Aug 1986 involved a Fokker F27 Friendship, registration ST-ADY, operated by Sudan Airways, at Malakal, South Sudan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was shot down by soldiers of the Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA) directed by John Garang.

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