Event
Minutes after departing from Goma Airport on a flight to Kisangani, the flight crew notified air traffic control of an engine problem. They received clearance to return to Goma for an emergency landing. Shortly after, the aircraft began to lose altitude. It struck trees and crashed in hilly terrain near the town of Sake, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Goma. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash, and all six occupants were killed. The intended emergency landing at Goma was not completed.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be loss of control following an engine failure. According to the Antonov Design Bureau, the aircraft's airworthiness certificate had expired on March 30, 2001. Furthermore, the aircraft was operated without valid documentation, and the airworthiness certificate remained registered to the previous operator under the registration 9U-BHN.