SECRETARY-GENERAL'S STATEMENT ON MONUA AIR CRASH INQUIRY

30 June 1998

Press Release
SG/SM/6619
AFR/82

SECRETARY-GENERAL'S STATEMENT ON MONUA AIR CRASH INQUIRY

19980630 The following statement on the weekend crash of an aircraft leased by the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Beechcraft B-200 aircraft, on long-term lease from the Federal Air company of South Africa, crashed while on approach to the airport at Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, at approximately 1920 hours on 26 June 1998. The aircraft departed Lomé, Togo, at approximately 1800 hours on the same day. All of the passengers and crew were killed in the crash, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Angola, Maître Alioune Blondin Beye, five members of his staff and the two pilots.

As is established practice, the civil aviation authorities of Côte d'Ivoire have begun their investigation of the crash. South Africa, as the State of registry of the aircraft, together with Federal Air and the aircraft manufacturer are cooperating with the investigators. The United Nations has also dispatched an air safety specialist to assist in the technical investigation.

As soon as the technical investigation is completed, a United Nations Board of Inquiry will thoroughly examine all aspects of this tragic accident. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has been requested to assist the United Nations Board of Inquiry in completing its findings and recommendations.

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