Aircraft shot down during flight from Blantyre to Lilongwe

10 fatalities • Ulongwé, Mozambique • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile during cruise, resulting in the loss of all ten people on board.

What happened

During a scheduled flight traveling from Blantyre toward Lilongwe, a twin engine aircraft was targeted by a surface-to-air missile. The strike occurred while the plane was maintaining its cruising altitude. Following the impact, the aircraft became uncontrollable and descended into Ulongwé.

There were no survivors of the crash. The incident resulted in 10 fatalities, accounting for everyone on board the aircraft at the time of the event.

Findings

Official investigations suggest that the destruction of the plane was not an intentional targeting of the flight itself, but rather a result of the aircraft being mistakenly shot down while traversing a region experiencing intense combat operations.

Probable cause

The aircraft was accidentally struck by a missile during active hostilities in the area.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-11-06 Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant accident near Ulongwé, Mozambique?

A twin-engine aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile during cruise, resulting in the loss of all ten people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1987-11-06 Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-11-06 involved a Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant, registration 7Q-YMB, operated by Air Malawi, at Ulongwé, Mozambique.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was accidentally struck by a missile during active hostilities in the area.

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