It has been reported that the aircraft did not receive its 1,000-hour maintenance check after moving to Equatorial Express.

Just minutes into the flight the aircraft tilted and fell, skidded over trees for a distance of about half a mile and crashed into a side of mountainous jungle area near Baney at 10:00pm.

An hour later the wreck of the aircraft was found and there were some conflicting reports regarding the number of persons on board.

The total bodies found at the crash site were 60 passengers and crew.

[2][3][4] A witness saw flames coming from the side of the plane shortly after take-off.