What happened
Shortly after departing from Hargeisa Airport, a twin engine aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. Approximately ten minutes into the flight, while the plane was in its climbing phase, it lost stability and transitioned into a steep dive. The aircraft subsequently struck a desert area, where the force of the impact caused the airframe to disintegrating.
There were 30 fatalities recorded in the accident, as all occupants on board perished during the crash. No survivors were reported from the wreckage.
Findings
Investigations into the incident suggest that the loss of control was not due to mechanical failure or pilot error alone. Evidence indicates that the aircraft was likely struck by a surface-to-air missile launched by members of the National Movement of Somalia (NMS).