Fatal aircraft accident near Dundo Airport

7 fatalities • Dundo, Angola • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its approach to Dundo Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During an approach to Dundo Airport, the crew of the aircraft began their descent earlier than intended. While operating at an altitude of 2,650 feet, the flight encountered heavy fog that significantly restricted visibility. Approximately 50 km from the destination airport, the aircraft type struck a mountain slope. The force of the collision caused the airframe to break apart.

There were seven fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported from the crash site.

Findings

Investigation into the accident indicates that the crew initiated the descent prior to reaching the appropriate waypoint. This premature descent resulted in the flight path dropping below the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA). The combination of descending below the MDA and the presence of dense fog led to the controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The crew began their descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to fly below the minimum descent altitude during low-visibility conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-08-28 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Dundo, Angola?

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its approach to Dundo Airport, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1983-08-28 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-08-28 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration N17ST, operated by Transamerica Airlines, at Dundo, Angola.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew began their descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to fly below the minimum descent altitude during low-visibility conditions.

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