SIX CASUALTIES AS LIGHT AIRCRAFT CHARTER COMES DOWN OUTSIDE MUTARE
(Posted 27th March 2017)
A Britten Norman BN2 Islander aircraft, registered in Mozambique as C9-AOV, MSN 024, earlier today crashed while enroute from Beira via Mutare to Harare.
All six on board were reportedly killed as one survivor passed on due to the time it took rescue teams to reach the accident scene.
The operating and owning company, ETA Air Charter, was contracted by Cornelder, a Mozambican company and all passengers were from that company including its CEO Mr. Adelino Mesquita, brother to the Mozambique Minister for Transport.
Information from Zimbabwe suggests that bad weather may have been responsible for the crash as the aircraft was already descending and just 10 minutes outside Mutare where a fuel stop was planned.
(Picture courtesy of Aviation Safety Network)
The stricken plane reportedly hit a mountain and disintegrated on impact.
An accident investigation is now underway to establish the exact cause of the crash and while led by Zimbabwe will also include aviation experts from Mozambique.
Condolences are expressed to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.
