Incident Overview
A four-engine aircraft, dispatched in Angola on behalf of the International Red Cross, was struck by a surface-to-air missile while en route from Kuito to Benguela. The missile hit engine number 3 as the aircraft was climbing to an altitude of 12,000 feet.
Crash and Impact
Following the missile strike, the aircraft entered a dive and crashed into the village of Cancao, located approximately 40 kilometers west of Kuito. The aircraft disintegrated upon impact, destroying at least eight houses. All six occupants of the aircraft were killed, along with two individuals on the ground.
Investigation
Official findings state that the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. The exact type of missile and its origin remain unknown.