Incident
During final approach to Katanga Airport after an uneventful cargo flight, all four engines of the aircraft stopped simultaneously. The aircraft lost altitude and struck the ground 1,450 meters short of the runway. Upon touchdown, the undercarriage separated, and the aircraft slid for approximately 640 meters, successively striking the inner marker and a brick house before coming to rest, broken in two.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, breaking into two sections. A passenger was killed, and 15 other occupants were injured.
Probable Cause
Official investigations determined that the probable cause was failure of all four engines on final approach due to fuel exhaustion. Poor flight planning on the part of the crew contributed to the event. At takeoff, the aircraft weight was 7 tons above the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). The crew deliberately decided to load more cargo and less fuel. Investigations confirmed that the fuel quantity was insufficient for the planned flight.