1986 Mozambican Tupolev Tu-134 crash

1986 Mozambican Tupolev Tu-134 crash

Accident
Date	19 October 1986
Summary	Controlled flight into terrain
Site	Mbuzini, South Africa
Aircraft
Aircraft type	Tupolev Tu-134A-3
Operator	Mozambican People's Republic
Registration	C9-CAA
Flight origin	Maputo International Airport, Mozambique
Destination	Lusaka International Airport, Zambia
Passengers	34
Crew	9
Fatalities	34
Injuries	9
Survivors	0

The 1986 Mozambican Tupolev Tu-134 crash was a fatal aviation accident that occurred on 19 October 1986, when a Tupolev Tu-134A-3 aircraft, operated by the Mozambican People's Republic, crashed into the Lebombo Mountains near Mbuzini, South Africa. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 34 passengers and crew on board, including the then-President of Mozambique, Samora Machel.

Background

The aircraft involved in the accident was a Tupolev Tu-134A-3, a Soviet-built twin-engine jet airliner. It was carrying a delegation from Mozambique to a summit in Lusaka, Zambia. The flight originated from Maputo International Airport and was scheduled to land at Lusaka International Airport.

Accident

On the night of 19 October 1986, the aircraft deviated from its intended flight path and crashed into the Lebombo Mountains, approximately 65 kilometers west of its destination. The crash site was located near the border between Mozambique, South Africa, and Swaziland.

The investigation into the crash revealed that the aircraft had descended below the minimum safe altitude for the area, leading to a controlled flight into terrain. The reasons for the deviation from the flight path remain a subject of controversy and speculation.

Investigation

The investigation was conducted by the South African authorities, with assistance from the Soviet Union and Mozambique. The official report attributed the crash to pilot error, citing navigational mistakes and inadequate crew coordination.

However, the findings were disputed by the Mozambican government, which suggested that external interference, possibly involving the South African government, could have played a role in the crash. This theory was fueled by the political tensions in the region at the time, as Mozambique was supporting anti-apartheid movements in South Africa.

Aftermath

The death of President Samora Machel was a significant blow to Mozambique, which was already facing economic challenges and internal conflict. His passing led to a period of mourning and political uncertainty in the country.

The crash site at Mbuzini has since been turned into a memorial, known as the Samora Machel Monument, to honor those who lost their lives in the accident.

Also see

• Samora Machel
• Tupolev Tu-134
• Controlled flight into terrain
• Aviation accidents and incidents