1986 — The Death of Samora Machel

On October 19, 1986, Samora Machel, the founding president of Mozambique, died when his presidential plane crashed into the hills of Mbuzini, South Africa. He was flying home from a peace summit in Zambia when his aircraft strayed off course and struck the ground. Thirty-four people died that night, including ministers and aides travelling with him, on a journey that was meant to carry a leader home from talks about peace.

Machel had led Mozambique's fight for freedom from Portuguese rule and became its first president in 1975. His death shocked a continent, and Mozambique still marks October 19 with Samora Machel Day. The crash was blamed on pilot error, though suspicion of foul play has never fully faded.