Air Mozambique Flight 470 went down in the Lebombo Mountains, resulting in the death of President Samora Machel, alongside 33 other passengers, many of whom were high-ranking members of the Mozambique government. Machel, who served as president since the country's independence in 1975 and was the leader of the FRELIMO party, was returning from a summit in Zambia aimed at addressing regional security and cooperation among African nations. The crash happened shortly after the aircraft departed from the capital city of Maputo, and the plane was reported to have been flying under fair weather conditions at the time. Witnesses described seeing the aircraft descend rapidly before disappearing from view.

Investigations into the crash were complex and contentious, with multiple theories having emerged regarding its cause. Some speculated about mechanical failure, while others suggested it might have been a case of mistaken identification with another aircraft. Tensions in the region, particularly due to the ongoing Southern African conflicts and the involvement of various political factions, led to conspiracy theories suggesting foul play or external sabotage. The event raised questions regarding air safety and political unrest in southern Africa, significantly impacting Mozambique's political landscape.