On July 26, 2002, an Antonov AN-26 (registration 9Q-CMC) operated by Africa One was involved in an aviation accident near Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the total weight of the aircraft was above MTOW. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During takeoff from Kinshasa-N'DJili Airport, the captain rejected takeoff. Emergency braking caused the nose gear and main landing gears to collapse. The aircraft slid on its belly. All 21 occupants evacuated uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Incident Details
On an unspecified date, an aircraft operating a flight from Kinshasa-N'DJili Airport experienced an aborted takeoff during its departure roll. The captain determined that the aircraft could not complete the takeoff and decided to reject the takeoff.
Sequence of Events
As the captain initiated emergency braking procedures, the nose landing gear collapsed. Shortly thereafter, both main landing gear assemblies also failed. The aircraft slid forward on its belly along the runway surface before coming to a stop.
Aftermath
All 21 persons on board evacuated the aircraft without injury. The aircraft itself sustained substantial damage and was assessed as beyond economical repair.
Probable Cause
Investigation into the incident determined that the total weight of the aircraft at the time of the attempted takeoff was above its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW).
