Catumbela

Few minutes after takeoff from Lunda-4 de Fevereiro Airport, en route to Catumbela, the crew informed ATC about hydraulic problems and was cleared for an emergency return to Luanda. Due to the failure of the primary hydraulic system, the crew was unable to lower the landing gear and decided to complete a belly landing on the grassy area located between both runways 23 and 25. The aircraft slid on its belly for few dozen metres before coming to rest. Both pilots were uninjured but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

The aircraft was completing a charter flight from Ondjiva to Catumbela on behalf of the Angolan Company Maboque, and was carrying some of their employees as well as football players. While descending to Catumbela Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions when the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located 15 km from Catumbela Airport. Five passengers were seriously injured while 48 other occupants were killed.

Few minutes after takeoff from Luena, while cruising at FL160, the aircraft was hit by a SAM surface-to-air missile that struck the engine n°1. The crew reduced his altitude and attempted an emergency landing when the aircraft crashed in an open field located in the region of Luena, bursting into flames. All seven occupants escaped the cabin and one pilot was killed after walking on a landmine, a second one was seriously injured. The aircraft was on its way to Catumbela, carrying various goods for the World Food Program.