On November 27, 1989, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration N9205T) operated by Tepper Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Jamba, Angola during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew descended too low to avoid MPLA radar detection while on final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A CIA-contracted cargo aircraft carrying weapons for UNITA rebels crashed near Jamba, Angola, while attempting to avoid radar detection. All five crew members died.
Accident
A cargo aircraft operating on behalf of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) crashed while approaching Jamba, Angola. The flight had originated from Kamina and was transporting a load of weapons intended for UNITA rebels. As the aircraft neared Jamba, the crew descended to a low altitude in an attempt to evade detection by MPLA radar. During the final approach, the aircraft struck trees and subsequently crashed in flames. All five crew members aboard were killed.
The accident occurred at night under poor visibility conditions, and the runway at Jamba was unlighted. No other details about the aircraft, its registration, or the exact time of the crash were provided in the investigation source.
Probable cause
The crew descended too low to avoid MPLA radar detection while on final approach.
What happened in the 27 Nov 1989 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Jamba, Angola?
A CIA-contracted cargo aircraft carrying weapons for UNITA rebels crashed near Jamba, Angola, while attempting to avoid radar detection. All five crew members died.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Nov 1989 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Nov 1989 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration N9205T, operated by Tepper Aviation, at Jamba, Angola.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The crew descended too low to avoid MPLA radar detection while on final approach.
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