On May 5, 2005, an Antonov AN-26 (registration EX-26060) operated by Kisangani Airlift was involved in an aviation accident near Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo in flight. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft crashed during an attempted return to the airport following the onset of technical malfunctions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine cargo flight returning to Kisangani crashed in a wooded area following reports of technical difficulties, resulting in multiple fatalities.
What happened
A cargo operation departing from Kisangani-Bangoka Airport for Isiro ended in a fatal accident during its return attempt. The flight, which was transporting a shipment of soap, was carrying a total of eleven people, consisting of four crew members and seven passengers. Approximately thirty minutes after the initial departure, the flight crew notified air traffic control of mechanical issues and decided to abort the mission to return to the origin airport.
During the descent toward Kisangani, the twin engine aircraft went down in a forested region situated roughly 28 km north of the airfield. The impact caused the plane to catch fire upon hitting the ground. The accident resulted in 10 fatalities and one passenger who sustained serious injuries.
Findings
The crew reported technical problems prior to the descent.
The aircraft crashed in a wooded area during the approach phase.
Probable cause
The aircraft crashed during an attempted return to the airport following the onset of technical malfunctions.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 May 2005 Antonov AN-26 accident near Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo?
A twin-engine cargo flight returning to Kisangani crashed in a wooded area following reports of technical difficulties, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 May 2005 Antonov AN-26 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 May 2005 involved an Antonov AN-26, registration EX-26060, operated by Kisangani Airlift, at Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft crashed during an attempted return to the airport following the onset of technical malfunctions.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…