9 fatalities

Cargo Aircraft Downed by Surface-to-Air Missile (CP-1564)

Malanje, AngolaFlight

On March 16, 1991, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration CP-1564) operated by Transafrik was involved in an aviation accident near Malanje, Angola in flight. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by a SAM surface-to-air missile shot by UNITA rebels. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine cargo aircraft was hit by a surface-to-air missile while en route from Luanda to Dundo. The plane crashed near Malanje, resulting in the deaths of all nine people on board.

Incident Overview

During a scheduled cargo operation between Luanda and Dundo, a four-engine aircraft encountered a catastrophic event while cruising at Flight Level 170. The incident occurred when the airframe was struck by a surface-to-air missile (SAM). This impact immediately compromised the structural integrity and flight control of the machine.

Crash Sequence

Following the direct hit from the missile, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. The crew was unable to regain stability or altitude, leading to a rapid loss of height. The wreckage was located approximately 32 kilometers from the city of Malanje. The severity of the impact and the subsequent crash resulted in total loss of the airframe.

Casualties

The accident proved fatal for everyone on board. All nine occupants, comprising the flight crew and any additional personnel, lost their lives in the incident. There were no survivors reported from the crash site near Malanje.

Probable cause

Shot down by a SAM surface-to-air missile shot by UNITA rebels.