What happened
During the departure phase from Malakal Airport, an aircraft was targeted and hit by a SAM-7 surface-to-air missile. The strike occurred while the plane was in its climb following takeoff. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and led to a crash at the scene.
There were 60 fatalities recorded as a result of this incident, with no survivors reported among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the event concluded that the aircraft was brought down by fire from the Sudan People Liberation Army (SPL)A. The use of a surface-to-air missile during the climb phase was the primary cause of the crash.