Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique - LAM

Embraer ERJ-190

Aircraft left Maputo Airport at 1126LT on flight LAM470 to Luanda, Angola. En route, while overflying Botswana and Namibia, aircraft encountered bad weather conditions with CB's at high altitude and turbulence. In unknown circumstances, aircraft went out of control and disappeared from radar screens at 1230LT, most probably after diving into the ground. As the aircraft did not arrive at Luanda, SAR commenced but were suspended by night due to low visibility and bad weather conditions (heavy rain falls). The day after, on 30NOV, Namibia Police forces announced they located the wreckage in the Bwabwata National Park, near Divundu. Aircraft was completely destroyed by impact forces and post impact fire. All 33 occupants were killed, among them 16 Mozambicans, 9 Angolans, 5 Portuguese, one French, one Brazilian and one Chinese. The aircraft crashed in a dense wooded and isolated area, sot SAR are difficult. No distress call was sent by the crew.

Boeing 747SP

Shortly after takeoff from Maputo Airport, while climbing, the engine n°3 failed, exploded and caught fire. Debris struck the engine n°4 and punctured the right wing and a fuel tank, causing a severe fire. The crew was cleared for an immediate return. Following a normal approach and landing, the aircraft was stopped on the main runway and all 66 occupants evacuated safely. The aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair.

Boeing 737-200

The approach and landing at Lichinga Airport was completed in heavy rain falls. After touchdown, the aircraft suffered aquaplaning and was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran, lost a gear and an engine then came to rest few dozen meters further. All 108 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond.

Boeing 737-200

The approach to Quelimane Airport was initiated by night. On final, the pilot-in-command reduced engine power to idle. At a height of 230 feet, as the airspeed dropped below the speed reference, the stick shaker activated. The captain increased engine power when the aircraft lost height and descended until it struck the ground about 400 meters short of runway. The undercarriage were torn off and the airplane slid for few dozen meters before coming to rest. All 110 occupants evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.