Incident Overview
Description
The Antonov departed Malabo on a domestic morning flight to Bata on the mainland. Shortly after takeoff the aircraft contacted trees and crashed into a mountainous jungle area, some 30 km from Malabo. There are conflicting reports regarding the number of persons on board. According to the airline, the flight manifest shows 10 crew and 35 passengers. Government sources reported 60 people were on the plane, after first reports of 55 occupants. The ill-fated Antonov was brought to Equatorial Guinea to fly for Aerol¡neas de Guinea Ecuatorial (AGE) starting February 2002. its first 1000-hour maintenance check was estimated for January 2004. Around that period AGE ceased operations and the plane moved to the new company Equatair. Reportedly the aircraft moved to Equatorial Express Airlines and was continuously operated without undergoing the 1000-hour maintenance check.
Primary Cause
Loss of control due to terrain and potentially a mechanical failure during takeoff or landing.Loss of control due to terrain and potentially a mechanical failure during takeoff or landing.Share on:
