Convair 580 plane crash in Amnisi, DRC

MEDIA RELEASE

26 April 2006

The following is the update on the plane crash that took place on Wednesday 26 April 2006.

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) reported that 4 crewmembers, of which 2 were South Africans, crashed upon landing at Amisi aerodrome on the 26 April 2006. The aircraft took off from Goma aerodrome (DRC) to Amisi aerodrome where the accident occurred on the runway on landing.

On landing the aircraft caught fire and all occupants were confirmed dead on site.

According to ICAO Annex 13, the “State of Registry” is entitled to participation status from the “State of Occurrence”. A letter was sent to request participation status and this was granted.

Two investigators from the SACAA left for the DRC around 8am on the 3 May 2006 and arrived just after midday the same day.

New information received by the SACAA from the DRC aviation authorities is that 4 crewmembers and 6 passengers were fatally injured. The SACAA will publish an update when it is available.

-Ends-

Contact:

Ms Phindiwe Gwebu

Senior Communications Manager

SA Civil Aviation Authority

011 545 1086

083 635 0069