Flight 494 took off from Dar es Salaam around 06:00 East Africa Time and was scheduled to land at Bukoba around 08:30 after a stopover at Mwanza. A survivor stated that the pilots had to reroute the aircraft due to the deteriorating weather and that the aircraft had to fly towards the Tanzania–Uganda border before turning back towards Bukoba. The passenger further stated that during their approach, they encountered heavy turbulence after being informed that they were landing shortly, eventually finding themselves in the lake with the plane beginning to take on water.[4][6]
The aircraft crash-landed in Lake Victoria at 08:45, 500 metres (1,600 ft) short of the runway.[7] Survivors stated that the front portion of the aircraft was immediately filled with a large amount of water, causing panic inside the cabin. The flight attendants then opened the emergency exits and passengers began to escape from the sinking aircraft. Photos and videos spread on social media showed the plane almost fully submerged, with only its tail section visible above the water line.[2][8][9]
Aircraft
5H-PWF, the aircraft involved, seen at Toulouse–Blagnac Airport in 2010, while still wearing its test registration, F-WWLA.
The aircraft involved in the accident was a 12-year-old ATR 42–500 named "Bukoba," with serial number 819, registered as 5H-PWF. It was delivered to Precision Air in August 2010. The aircraft was powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127turboprop engines.[10]
Passengers and crew
There were 39 passengers and 4 crew members on board, including 1 infant. The majority of those were Tanzanians, and local media stated that at least two were Kenyans, including the first officer. The pilot of the aircraft was identified as Captain Buruhani Rubaga; the co-pilot was First Officer Peter Odhiambo.[11][8] Of the 43 people on board, 19 died, including both pilots, who drowned before rescue workers could reach them.[2][12][4][13]
Rescue and recovery
Local fishermen were the first to arrive at the scene of the crash. They broke the rear door by smashing it with a rowing oar, successfully rescuing those who were seated at the back. Both pilots were still conscious and alive as there was no water leakage inside the cockpit. A fisherman tried to break the cockpit windows with an axe but was advised to stop by those in communication with the pilots. He then tied a rope to the cockpit emergency door and tried to pull it open by using other nearby boats. The rope snapped, however, knocking him unconscious.[14]
Rescue workers arrived at the scene to rescue those still trapped inside the aircraft.[15] According to Albert Chalamila, the chief administrator of Kagera Region, emergency workers were in touch with the pilots in the cockpit and attempted to pull the plane closer to the shore using ropes and cranes.[15]
In 2023 the CAA released their preliminary report. It stated that the approach was conducted under visual flight rules in poor weather and that the flight crew ignored alerts from the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS).[18]
Response
Bukoba Airport was closed until November 9.[19][20]
PresidentSamia Suluhu Hassan tweeted: "I have received with sadness the information of the crash of the Precision Air flight at Lake Victoria, in the Kagera region, I send my condolences to all those affected by this incident. Let's continue to be calm as the rescue operation continues and we pray to God to help us."[21][12] Majaliwa visited the site and said that an extensive investigation would be carried out to determine the full causes of the crash.[4]
On 7 November, a funeral service was held at Kagera Kaitaba Stadium. Prime Minister Majaliwa, along with Muslim and Christian clerics, led prayers for the victims at Kaitaba Stadium, where hundreds of mourners had gathered.[22][23] He later stated that the funeral cost would be covered by the government, adding that an additional 1,000,000 shillings would be provided for the relatives of the victims.[24]
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