Bad weather, communication failures between the pilot and air traffic control, and the lack of a weather radar system at Juba International Airport have been identified as contributing factors in the April 27 aircraft crash that killed all 14 people on board.
The Cessna Caravan, operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd., crashed near Luri Mountain, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Juba, while travelling from Yei to Juba International Airport.
According to officials, the aircraft departed Yei at 9:15 a.m. and lost communication with air traffic control at around 9:43 a.m.
Releasing the findings on Tuesday, Eng. Sebur Nyuon Antipas Nyok Kucha, chairperson of the investigation committee, said the inquiry identified several factors that contributed to the crash.
“One of the major findings that was discovered during the investigation process was the bad weather of the morning. The visibility was completely low, and the weather was stormy and windy,” Kucha said.
He said the aircraft was flying below the surrounding terrain when it struck Luri Mountain, with poor visibility preventing the pilot from seeing the horizon.
“The aircraft was flying lower than the terrain during the time of the crash. So basically it means the aircraft was flying less altitude than the height of the Luri Mountain where it crashed,” he said.
The investigation also identified shortcomings in crew resource management, miscommunication between the pilot and air traffic control, a lack of navigation charts showing the terrain, and possible pilot overconfidence.
Kucha said the absence of an active radar system at Juba International Airport was another significant safety concern because it limited the availability of early warnings to pilots.
The committee recommended installing a weather radar system at the airport and strengthening safety oversight within the Civil Aviation Authority.
It also urged aircraft operators to ensure weather conditions are suitable before flights, employ personnel with aviation backgrounds as flight dispatchers, and prevent passengers from occupying pilot seats.
“Before the operators carry on a flight they have to be sure of the conditions. They have to make sure the weather conditions are favourable before the flight could be carried out,” Kucha said.
The committee was appointed by former Transport Minister, Rizik Zacharia Hassan following the crash. Kucha said the investigation began in May and involved several months of work before the final report was submitted to the Ministry of Transport.
The post Bad weather, communication failures contributed to Luri plane crash, investigation finds first appeared on Eye Radio.