French investigators to probe Precision Air plane crash

French air accident investigators are set to be deployed at the scene of Sunday’s tragic plane crash in Bukoba to assist in the investigation of Precision Air plane crash that killed at least 19 people.

A spokesperson for France’s BEA air accident investigation agency said on Monday that it was sending a team to Tanzania along with technical advisers from Franco-Italian planemaker ATR.

The plane, which crashed in Lake Victoria, was an ATR 42-500 turboprop made by the company.

Flight PW494, operated by Precision Air, plunged into the lake during storms and heavy rain, on a second attempt to make the ill-fated landing as it arrived from Dar es Salaam.

Prime Minister Majaliwa said investigators had launched a probe into what had happened and experts say that could take months.

Under international rules, the locally-led investigation would usually include the participation of authorities in France, where the plane was designed, and Canada, where its Pratt & Whitney engines were developed.

ATR said it was “fully engaged to support the customer and the investigation”.