United Nations humanitarian flight shot down near Huambo

14 fatalities • Huambo-Albano Machado, Angola • Takeoff (climb)

A United Nations humanitarian mission flying from Huambo to Saurimo was destroyed by a missile strike shortly after takeoff, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

On the date of the incident, a flight operating under the call sign UNO806 departed from Huambo-Albano Machado Airport. The mission was being conducted on behalf of the United Nations Organization, traveling toward Saurimo to perform humanitarian duties.

Approximately five minutes into the flight, while the aircraft was in its climbing phase, it was struck by a surface-to-air missile. The impact caused the aircraft to crash into a field situated near the village of Vila Nova, which is located roughly 40 km from the Huambo area.

There were no survivors of the impact. The crash resulted in 14 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the primary cause of the destruction was the impact of a surface-to-air missile during the initial ascent.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile strike during its climb phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-12-26 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Huambo-Albano Machado, Angola?

A United Nations humanitarian mission flying from Huambo to Saurimo was destroyed by a missile strike shortly after takeoff, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-12-26 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-12-26 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration S9-CAO, operated by Transafrik, at Huambo-Albano Machado, Angola.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile strike during its climb phase.

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