49 fatalities

2007-10-04: Antonov AN-26 (9Q-COS) — El Sam Airlift — Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo

Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of CongoTakeoff (climb)

On October 4, 2007, an Antonov AN-26 (registration 9Q-COS) operated by El Sam Airlift was involved in an aviation accident near Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo during takeoff. 49 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine during initial climb for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781197878Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff from Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport, the right engine failed during climb. The aircraft stalled, hit tree tops, and crashed onto houses in Kingasani. One crew member survived; 21 other occupants and at least 28 on ground were killed.

Accident Sequence

After takeoff from Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport, while climbing, the right engine failed. The aircraft stalled, struck tree tops, and crashed onto several houses in the Kingasani neighborhood.

Occupants and Casualties

A crew member survived the accident. The crash resulted in the deaths of 21 other occupants and at least 28 people on the ground.

Aftermath

Following the accident, the Ministry of Transport was sacked due to its inability to reform aviation problems existing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Historical Context

This accident is the worst occurring in the DRC since 8 January 1996, when an Antonov AN-32 crashed also in Kinshasa, killing 237 people.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause was the failure of the right engine during initial climb for unknown reasons.