33 fatalities

2003-11-29: Antonov AN-26 (9T-TAD) — Congolese Air Force - Force Aérienne de la République Démocratique du Congo — Boende, Democratic Republic of Congo

Boende, Democratic Republic of CongoTakeoff (climb)

On November 29, 2003, an Antonov AN-26 (registration 9T-TAD) operated by Congolese Air Force - Force Aérienne de la République Démocratique du Congo was involved in an aviation accident near Boende, Democratic Republic of Congo during takeoff. 33 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781200669Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft performing a second takeoff attempt from Boende to Kinshasa suffered a tyre burst, overran the runway, struck a fence, and crashed into a market, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

Accident Overview

On an unspecified date, an aircraft was completing a flight from Boende to Kinshasa. The aircraft was carrying 18 passengers, six crew members, and a load of 672 kilograms of various goods.

Sequence of Events

During the initial takeoff roll, the captain decided to abort the procedure and returned the aircraft to the parking area. A second takeoff attempt was initiated a few minutes later. During the takeoff run at high speed, a tyre burst. The captain rejected the takeoff, but the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance of the 1,400-meter runway.

Consequences

The aircraft overran the runway, struck a fence, and eventually crashed into a local market. All six crew members and 14 passengers were killed, as well as 13 people on the ground. Four passengers and six people on the ground suffered injuries of various degrees.

Investigation

The investigation into the accident is based on the sequence of events as reported, but no probable cause has been explicitly stated in the source material.