By Our Reporter
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN – A light passenger aircraft crashed on the outskirts of Juba on Monday morning, April 27, 2026, killing all 14 people on board.
The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) confirmed that the plane, a Cessna 208 Caravan operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd, went down approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) southwest of the capital in the Luri area.
The victims included 13 passengers and one pilot. According to official reports, 12 of the deceased were South Sudanese nationals, while two were Kenyans.
The aircraft, with registration number 5Y-NOK, departed from Yei at 09:15 AM local time. Authorities lost contact with the flight at 09:43 AM, roughly 30 minutes into its journey to Juba International Airport. L
Preliminary assessments by the SSCAA suggest that the crash may have been triggered by adverse weather conditions, specifically heavy mist and low visibility in the hilly terrain.
This tragedy follows a series of aviation disasters in South Sudan, a country heavily reliant on air transport due to its limited road infrastructure. In January 2025, 20 oil workers perished in a similar crash in Unity State shortly after takeoff.
“A team of investigators and emergency responders has been dispatched to the site to recover the remains and secure the technical records for further analysis,” the SSCAA stated.
Videos circulating on social media showed the wreckage in flames in a hilly, forested area. The South Sudan Pilots Association has previously called for stricter aviation laws to govern air transport companies and improve safety standards in the country.
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