Cargo aircraft crash near Jamba during weapons transport

5 fatalities • Jamba, Angola • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight transporting supplies from Kamina to Jamba crashed during its final approach, resulting in the deaths of all five crew members.

What happened

During a nighttime cargo operation traveling from Kamina to Jamba, an aircraft carrying weaponry intended for UNITA rebels crashed while on final approach. To prevent detection by MPLA radar systems, the flight crew maintained a low altitude during their descent. While maneuvering at this low level, the aircraft collided with trees and subsequently burst into flames.

At the time of the accident, environmental conditions were challenging, as the mission was being conducted in darkness and the destination runway lacked any lighting. The impact resulted in five fatalities, with no survivors reported among the crew members.

Findings

The flight crew intentionally flew at a low altitude to evade radar detection.
Poor visibility due to nighttime operations contributed to the accident.
The lack of illumination on the runway presented additional navigational difficulties.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees during its approach because the crew descended too low in an attempt to avoid radar detection.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-11-27 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Jamba, Angola?

A cargo flight transporting supplies from Kamina to Jamba crashed during its final approach, resulting in the deaths of all five crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1989-11-27 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 1989-11-27 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration N9205T, operated by Tepper Aviation, at Jamba, Angola.

What was the probable cause of the accident?