OTD: 8 January 2005

A Services Air Ltd. Antonov 12 (9Q-CIH) cargo plane with humanitarian relief items destined for Kinshasa departed Entebbe, and shortly after takeoff, the jet developed engine problems. The pilots opted to return to Entebbe as it was closer. Whilst on approach, the pilots lost control of the jet and crashed in a forest 11km before the runway. None of the six people onboard the aircraft survived.

After investigations, it was noted that Services Air did not have a valid Air Operators Certificate (AOC), nor did it have an Air Service Licence. The airline did not meet the minimum requirements to operate flights. Further investigations revealed that the company had no record of maintenance and no quality controls. There were no records on licensing and training of the crew members or the insurance for the operations.

The airplane was found to have crashed due to engine failure and being loaded outside the weight and balance safety envelope.