At 8:53 local time (5:53 UTC) on November 6th, Precision Air flight PW 494 was involved in a crash accident upon landing at Bukoba Airport (BKZ) in the African state of Tanzania. Let's have a look at what we know so far.
The details of the accident
Precision Air (PW) flight PW 494 was a scheduled service between the largest city in Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam, and Bukoba, situated on the shores of Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria. The flight was operated by a 12-year-old ATR 42-500, registered 5H-PWF, carrying a total of 39 passengers, of which 38 were adults along with one infant, and four crew members.
Upon landing, the aircraft was hit by severe weather, which, when the accident occurred, was believed to be the primary cause that led flight PW 494 to crash into Lake Victoria in the Kagera region. Rescue operations involved both the police and local fishermen. In a Tweet, the airline confirmed that the accident has caused 19 fatalities.
Images and videos from the crash scene show the ATR 42-500 almost completely submerged in the lake, with the wings and vertical stabilizer as the only visible parts.
Precision Air has mobilized an investigation team consisting of the airline's technical staff and representatives from the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). The team is now in Bukoba to provide any assistance required at the scene.
What caused flight PW 494 to crash?
When the accident occurred, lousy weather, in the form of heavy rains and fog, was reported at Bukoba airport. Therefore, inclement external conditions were named as the possible primary cause of the crash.
However, Kagera police commander, William Mwampaghale, stated that, while the aircraft was flying approximately 100 meters from the ground, it must have encountered some problems, the nature of which have not been confirmed. These, coupled with the already challenging weather conditions, are thought to be the leading cause of the accident.
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The regional commissioner, Albert Chalamila, stated the rescue workers communicated with the pilots while they were still in the cockpit. However, when they were reached by the rescuers, both pilots were already dead, most likely because their oxygen supply had run out. On the other hand, both flight attendants survived.
Emergency workers have now lifted the aircraft out of the lake using ropes and cranes, with local people offering their help and support.
A witness stated seeing the aircraft flying unsteadily in scarce visibility conditions while approaching Buboka airport. The aircraft reportedly took a turn to land at the airport but crashed into the lake instead.
The African Union Commission Chair expressed his solidarity towards the families and friends of the victims of Precision Air's flight 494, as did the secretary general of the East African Community Bloc, Peter Mathuki.
A few facts about Precision Air
Precision Air, which is partly owned by Kenya Airways, is Tanzania's largest airline. It was founded in 1993. Its main hub is in Dar es Salaam, at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
According to ch-aviation, the airline operates a fleet of nine aircraft: two ATR 42-500s, of which one has sadly been involved in yesterday's accident, two inactive ATR 42-600s, and five ATR 72-500, of which two are currently not being operated. All aircraft are leased from the Ireland-based Swala Leasing & Finance company. Precision Air operates domestic, regional, and charter services to mainly touristic destinations, including the Serengeti National Park and the Zanzibar Archipelago.
This is a developing story. We will provide updates as new information about the accident becomes available. Simple Flying joins local and international authorities in expressing their condolences and deepest sympathies to all those, directly and indirectly, involved in the accident.