On November 23, 1977, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration C9-ANS) operated by Textafrica was involved in an aviation accident near Chimoio, Mozambique during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by Mozambican Forces while on final approach to Chimoio Airport. The crew was cleared to perform the flight and a proper flight plan was filed and accepted. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine airplane on approach to Chimoio Airport was shot down by Mozambican forces, crashing short of the runway. All eight occupants, five Portuguese and three Swiss citizens, were killed. The aircraft was destroyed.
Incident
A twin-engine airplane was shot down by Mozambican forces while on final approach to Chimoio Airport. The aircraft crashed and burned a few hundred meters short of the runway, resulting in its destruction. All eight occupants—five Portuguese and three Swiss citizens—were killed.
Flight Details
According to official reports, the crew had been cleared to perform the flight and a proper flight plan had been filed and accepted prior to the incident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the aircraft was inadvertently shot down by Mozambican forces due to a lack of coordination between military and civil authorities. The crew's actions were not considered causal.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Nov 1977 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Chimoio, Mozambique?
A twin-engine airplane on approach to Chimoio Airport was shot down by Mozambican forces, crashing short of the runway. All eight occupants, five Portuguese and three Swiss citizens, were killed. The aircraft was destroyed.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Nov 1977 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Nov 1977 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration C9-ANS, operated by Textafrica, at Chimoio, Mozambique.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Shot down by Mozambican Forces while on final approach to Chimoio Airport. The crew was cleared to perform the flight and a proper flight plan was filed and accepted. Authorities reported the aircraft was inadvertently shot down due to a lack of coordination between military and civil authorities.
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