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20 fatalities

Aircraft Crashes into Lake During Approach to Yirol Airport (UR-TWO)

Yirol, South SudanLanding (descent or approach)

On September 9, 2018, a Let L-410 (registration UR-TWO) operated by South West Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Yirol, South Sudan during landing or approach. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft descended too low during approach, resulting in impact with the lake surface. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the National Bureau of Air Accident Investigation of Ukraine (NBAAI)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into Yirol Lake while approaching Yirol Airport in fog, killing 19 occupants. Four were rescued initially, but one later died. Three survivors include two children and an Italian doctor.

Accident Details

On approach to Yirol Airport, a twin-engine aircraft encountered poor visibility due to fog. The aircraft descended too low, impacted the surface of Yirol Lake, and crashed approximately 2 kilometers north of the airfield. The impact destroyed the aircraft.

Casualties and Survivors

Four occupants were rescued from the wreckage, while 19 others were killed. One of the survivors died from injuries the following day. The three remaining survivors are two children and an Italian doctor.

Flight Information

The flight was conducted on behalf of the Slaver Company, based in Ukraine.

Probable cause

The aircraft descended too low during approach, resulting in impact with the lake surface.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Sept 2018 Let L-410 accident near Yirol, South Sudan?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into Yirol Lake while approaching Yirol Airport in fog, killing 19 occupants. Four were rescued initially, but one later died. Three survivors include two children and an Italian doctor.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Sept 2018 Let L-410 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 20 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Sept 2018 involved a Let L-410, registration UR-TWO, operated by South West Aviation, at Yirol, South Sudan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft descended too low during approach, resulting in impact with the lake surface.

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