Both occupants of an Angolan Air Force Alouette III survived the crash of their aircraft during a display marking the 39th anniversary of the Air Force on January 21.
The aircraft was performing a spirited display when the main rotor struck the tail, severing it off and causing the aircraft to fall to the ground, resulting in substantial damage. A commission of inquiry was subsequently set up to investigate the accident, which left the pilots with serious injuries. They were taken to the Central Military Hospital in Luanda.
The commander of Angola’s Air Force, General Francisco Afonso, said the accident may have resulted from pilot error.
The military’s deputy safety chief Colonel Isaiah Francisco said that poor maintenance has been ruled out as the helicopter had no anomalies and was regularly inspected and maintained.
