Sarah Stewart, partner in the Aviation team at Stewarts, represents victims and bereaved families of the 2022 Precision Air crash.
On 6 November 2022, an ATR 42-500 aircraft operated by Precision Air Services Plc, on flight PW494, crashed on approach to Bukoba Airport, Tanzania. Of the 43 people on board the aircraft, 19 tragically died including Jonathan Rose, beloved husband of Samantha and father to Sasha, Oliver and Alexandra.
The Tanzanian Aircraft Accident and Investigation Branch (TAAIB) carried out an investigation into the crash in accordance with their obligations under Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention 1944. The investigation concluded that the decision to land in poor weather conditions which did not allow clear sight of the ground was a major factor, and led the aircraft to strike the water on the surface of Lake Victoria, about 500 meters short of the runway.
Sarah Stewart is instructed by Jonathan’s family and represented them at the inquest into his death, which took place on 7 May 2025. Max Archer of XXIV Old Buildings was instructed as counsel.
The inquest verdict
Area Coroner Darren Stewart, who led the inquest, concluded that Jonathan died of asphyxia due to drowning. The TAAIB highlighted the primary cause as the unstabilised approach of the aircraft to the runway, in poor weather conditions and without clear sight of terrain, and a number of contributory factors. Area Coroner Stewart is considering raising some concerns arising from this accident with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The family’s response
Samantha Rose, Jonathan’s widow said the following:
“Jon was a wonderful husband and father, brother and son. He always made his family his first priority.
My family and I are thankful to Area Coroner Stewart for his thorough investigation, which has shed some light on what went wrong.
We miss Jon every day but take comfort in the fact that the inquest has helped bring clarity and a sense of closure.”
Sarah Stewart, partner at Stewarts representing the family said:
“The inquest is an important process for the family, allowing them to understand the circumstances surrounding their loved one’s death.
The coroner’s inquiry has helped Jon’s family in coming to terms with their devastating loss, bringing them a measure of peace.”
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