Incident Overview
A three-engine aircraft operating a flight from Jamba Airport was shot down approximately 17 minutes after departure while at cruising altitude. The aircraft was struck by fire from a Zambian Shenyang J-6 fighter plane. Following the attack, the aircraft lost control and entered a dive, ultimately crashing into a field in Matala. All 29 individuals on board perished in the accident.
Sequence of Events
The flight originated from Jamba Airport. After climbing to cruising altitude, a Zambian fighter pilot engaged the aircraft, causing it to be shot down. The aircraft immediately went out of control and began a descent that ended with impact in a rural field near Matala. There were no survivors.
Official Response
Angolan authorities later confirmed that the shootdown was carried out by mistake. The incident involved a Zambian Shenyang J-6 fighter plane, whose pilot was responsible for firing upon the civilian or non-hostile aircraft.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be the aircraft being shot down by the pilot of a Zambian Shenyang J-6 fighter plane.