An investigation into what caused the crash of the Linhas Aereas de Mozambique (LAM) Embraer 190 aircraft crash on Friday in the Bwabwata National Park in the Zambezi Region is underway. All 33 people onboard were killed.
The aircraft was discovered several hours after it went missing on Friday a few kilometres from the border between Namibia and Botswana. The scene had to be guarded from lions and predators to preserve it for inspectors that arrived on Saturday.
The investigation is being led by Namibia’s aircraft accident unit with help from civil aviation authorities from Mozambique, Angola, Brazil and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Initial reports state that the E190 aircraft started descending uncontrollably from 38 000 feet at about 13h09 on Friday, while still within Botswana airspace until it hit the ground.
LAM confirmed that the aircraft was bought new in late 2012 and had completed 2 905 flight-hours when it crashed.
LAM has expressed its condolences to the bereaved families. “At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew who were on board the aircraft and it is their well-being and taking care of their immediate needs that is and must take priority,” said a statement.