On October 4, 2005, an Antonov AN-12 (registration 9Q-CWC) operated by Wimbi Dira Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Aru, Democratic Republic of Congo during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the aircraft's right main landing gear during landing caused the vessel to veer off the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A military transport aircraft carrying 100 people sustained a landing gear failure upon arrival at Aru Airstrip, resulting in two fatalities.
What happened
A flight operated for the Congolese Army Forces departed from Kisangani, destined for Bunia. The aircraft was transporting 96 soldiers along with a crew of four. During the landing sequence at Aru Airstrip, the right main landing gear failed. This structural failure caused the aircraft to veer toward the left side of the runway, eventually coming to a halt on its left side.
During the aftermath of the landing, two soldiers lost their lives after walking into the still-rotating propellers. In addition to the fatalities, the incident resulted in 11 injuries among the occupants.
Findings
The primary factor in the accident was the collapse of the right main landing gear during the landing phase of the flight.
Probable cause
The collapse of the aircraft's right main landing gear during landing caused the vessel to veer off the runway.