Accident Details
On July 8, 2011, at approximately 1311 UTC (1511 local time), Hewa Bora Airways flight 952, a Boeing 727-100 with registration 9Q-COP, was on a domestic scheduled commercial flight from Kinshasa to Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The aircraft was operating under an instrument flight plan. During the visual approach to Runway 31 at Bangoka International Airport, Kisangani, the airplane collided with the ground.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather at the airport was reported as heavy rain and poor visibility, with thunderstorms in the vicinity.
Occupants and Fatalities
There were 115 persons on board, including three flight crewmembers and four cabin crew. Preliminary information from DRC authorities indicated 77 fatalities, including all three flight crew and two of the four cabin crew.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane was destroyed and consumed by a post-crash fire.
Investigation
The investigation is being conducted by the Government of the DRC. All inquiries should be directed to the Direction de l'Aéronautique Civile, Ministère des Transports et Communications, Building Ontara, boulevard du 30 juin, B.P. 3304, Kinshasa/Gombe, République démocratique du Congo.