Aircraft crash in Kinshasa neighborhood causes high fatalities

49 fatalities • Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into residential buildings in the Kingasani area of Kinshasa following an engine failure during its initial climb.

What happened

During the takeoff phase from Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport, the aircraft experienced a failure of its right engine. As the plane attempted to climb, the loss of power led to an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently descended into the Kingasani neighborhood, striking treetops before impacting several residential structures.

This accident resulted in a significant loss of life, with 21 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft and at least 28 deaths reported on the ground. Only one crew member survived the impact. This event represents the deadliest aviation disaster in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the crash of an Antonov AN-32 in Kinshasa on January 8, 1996.

Findings

The primary factor contributing to the crash was the failure of the right engine during the climb, which triggered the subsequent stall and loss of control.

Probable cause

The loss of power in the right engine during takeoff caused the aircraft to stall and crash into a residential area.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-10-04 Antonov AN-26 accident near Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo?

An aircraft crashed into residential buildings in the Kingasani area of Kinshasa following an engine failure during its initial climb.

Were there any fatalities in the 2007-10-04 Antonov AN-26 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 49 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-10-04 involved a Antonov AN-26, registration 9Q-COS, operated by El Sam Airlift, at Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of power in the right engine during takeoff caused the aircraft to stall and crash into a residential area.

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