Investigation Summary
The flight was part of a secret military support operation by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) for the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU). Because international agreements prohibited the air transport of such weaponry, the mission was conducted under the guise of humanitarian aid. The aircraft, originally a passenger model built in 1966 and converted to a freighter in 1974, was loaded to a takeoff weight of 60.5 tons. During the takeoff roll on runway 23, the aircraft reached a speed of 268 km/h (145 knots), which was 46 km/h (25 knots) above the calculated V1 speed of 222 km/h (120 knots). When the number 2 engine failed 56 seconds into the roll, the captain initially attempted to rotate the aircraft but then changed his mind and initiated a rejected takeoff. The high speed and heavy weight made it impossible to stop on the remaining runway, leading to a high-speed excursion and subsequent fire.
Final Conclusions
The investigation, led by Interflug CEO Klaus Henkes, concluded that the primary cause was the crew's inappropriate decision to abort the takeoff after passing V1 speed. While the engine failure was the initiating event, the aircraft was capable of continuing the takeoff on three engines. The decision to reject the takeoff at 268 km/h, when the decision speed was 222 km/h, left insufficient runway for the aircraft to come to a stop.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Ivchenko AI-20 turboprop engines
The aircraft was powered by four turboprop engines; the failure of the number 2 engine during the takeoff roll initiated the accident sequence.
ILS Localizer Antenna
The aircraft collided with these ground-based navigation structures during the overrun, contributing to the breakup of the airframe.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was carrying a secret cargo of weapons and ammunition for ZAPU militants.
- 02The takeoff was rejected at 268 km/h, which was 46 km/h above the V1 speed.
- 03Angola's official report to ICAO falsely claimed the aircraft was carrying humanitarian aid to maintain secrecy.
- 04The East German government continued the operation by sending another Il-18 (DM-STP) just one week later.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Clandestine Cargo and False Reporting
Reference ↗The flight was part of a secret East German military operation. To avoid international scrutiny regarding the transport of weapons, the Angolan government officially reported the cargo to ICAO as humanitarian aid.
Location
APPROXIMATE POSITION · AIRPORT LEVEL · Coordinates are the estimate published in the entered by an editor. The ring shows the accuracy the record supports, not the point of impact.