Incident Overview
Date: Friday 28 April 2006
Aircraft Type: Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
Owner/operator: United Nations – UN, lsf King Air Services
Registration Number: ZS-ADL
Location: Margarita Mountain –
ÿ Uganda
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3
Component Affected: AircraftAircraft
Category: Accident
A Grand Caravan aircraft crashed due to severe weather conditions in the Rwenzori Mountains, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life and significant damage to the aircraft.A Grand Caravan aircraft crashed due to severe weather conditions in the Rwenzori Mountains, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life and significant damage to the aircraft.
Description
The Grand Caravan departed Goma (GOM) on a flight to Bunia (BUX), carrying 300 kg of freight. Instead of following the route indicated in the submitted flight plan, the crew executed a direct GPS route to Bunia. This took the plane over high terrain with clouds and low visibility. The aircraft flew into the side of the Margarita Peak, which is on the Ugandan side of the Rwenzori Mountains. Margarita is the highest peak in the range is at 16700 feet (5109 metres). The aircraft crashed at an elevation of about 12500 feet (3800 m) and caught fire. Due to adverse weather in the Rwenzori Mountains, the wreckage was not located until April 30.
Primary Cause
Adverse weather conditions in the Rwenzori Mountains, specifically high winds, low visibility, and cloud cover, caused the aircraft to deviate from its planned route and crash into the side of Margarita Peak.Adverse weather conditions in the Rwenzori Mountains, specifically high winds, low visibility, and cloud cover, caused the aircraft to deviate from its planned route and crash into the side of Margarita Peak.Share on:
