Aircraft crash near Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport

12 fatalities • Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo • Flight

A four-engine aircraft crashed in Nsele, killing all 12 people on board following reports of technical difficulties shortly after departure.

What happened

Shortly after departing from Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport for a flight destined for Bukavu, a four-engine aircraft encountered mechanical issues. The flight was transporting two vehicles and a cargo of ammunition at the time of the incident. Following the emergence of these technical difficulties, the crew notified air traffic control and received authorization to perform an immediate return to the departure airport.

During the attempted return, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. The plane impacted a prairie area situated in Nsele, approximately 20 km northeast of the airport. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire that consumed the wreckage. There were 12 fatalities among the occupants, with no survivors reported.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced technical problems shortly after takeoff.
  • The descent into the Nsele region was uncontrolled.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent following the report of technical malfunctions during a return flight.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-09-30 Antonov AN-12 accident near Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo?

A four-engine aircraft crashed in Nsele, killing all 12 people on board following reports of technical difficulties shortly after departure.

Were there any fatalities in the 2017-09-30 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-09-30 involved a Antonov AN-12, registration EX-001, operated by Congolese Air Force - Force Aérienne de la République Démocratique du Congo, at Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent following the report of technical malfunctions during a return flight.

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