Tanzania: State clears air on Precision Air crash

DAR ES SALAAM— PRELIMINARY investigation into the Precision Air crash in Lake Victoria early this month claiming 19 lives shows that the accident was a result of weather condition that changed suddenly while the plane was preparing to land, it has been established.

Releasing the preliminary report in Dar es Salaam, Minister for Works and Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa said weather condition in Bukoba was reported to be good until 8:20 am Nov 6, when it suddenly changed into rains.

Elaborating, he noted that the rain was accompanied by strong winds, lightning and thunderstorms.

He said the plane reached in Bukoba at 8.25 am while the weather had already changed but later the pilot decided to prepare for landing after the weather condition had improved.

According to the survivors of the accident when the pilot was attempting to land and the runway was visible, it suddenly plunged into the Lake Victoria.

He said the report also has shown that Bukoba Airport’s status is in good condition.

The report further revealed that Bukoba airport has a fire station which is equipped with a single rescue boat and manned by 10 people, who provide rescue operations.

It elaborated further that cabin crew member with support from the passengers attempted to open the door and they were later helped by fishermen who arrived at the scene five minutes later.

Clarifying, the Minister said that although the airport has a rescue boat but it was away doing other patrol duties only to arrive at the scene, when the rescue operations were completed.

Source: Nam News Network