No Survivors as passenger plane crashes near Juba, killing 14

(JUBA) — A passenger aircraft operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd. crashed on Monday morning approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Juba, killing all 14 people on board, according to the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority.

In a press statement issued on April 27, the aviation authority confirmed that the aircraft, a Cessna 208 Caravan, registration 5Y-NOK, had departed Yei at 9:15 a.m. en route to Juba International Airport before losing communication at 9:43 a.m.

The plane was carrying 13 passengers and one pilot. Among those on board were two Kenyan nationals and 12 South Sudanese citizens. Authorities said there were no survivors.

Preliminary findings suggest that adverse weather conditions, particularly low visibility may have contributed to the crash.

A response team from the SSCAA has since been dispatched to the crash site to support recovery efforts and begin investigations.

“The Authority extends its deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those affected by this tragic incident,” the statement read, adding that further updates would be provided as more verified information becomes available.

The latest crash adds to a series of aviation incidents that have plagued South Sudan since it gained independence in 2011.

In 2015, the country experienced one of the deadliest air accidents when a Russian-built Antonov cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Juba International Airport, killing dozens of passengers and people on the ground. The aircraft was reportedly overloaded.

In 2017, another Antonov aircraft went down at Wau Airport amid poor landing conditions, though passengers survived after the plane caught fire on impact.

In September 2018, another tragedy struck in Yirol, where a passenger plane plunged into Lake Yirol while attempting to land, killing 20 people.

In August 2020, a cargo aircraft went down shortly after takeoff near Juba, killing seven people. Months later, in March 2021, a plane crash in Pieri claimed 10 lives, with officials citing engine failure.

More recently, in January 2025, a plane carrying oil workers crashed in Unity State, killing at least 20 people, with only one survivor reported. Early findings suggested mechanical issues and possible overloading.