No fatalities

Cargo Flight Diverts to Kigali After Gear Malfunction; All Aboard Seriously Injured (9XR-SN)

Kigali, RwandaLanding (descent or approach)

On June 1, 2004, an Antonov AN-32 (registration 9XR-SN) operated by Sun Air was involved in an aviation accident near Kigali, Rwanda during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight with 8 Congolese passengers and 4 Russian crew members diverted to Kigali after a left main gear problem. Upon landing, the aircraft bounced, veered off the runway, and was destroyed. All 12 occupants suffered serious injuries.

Incident

A cargo flight operating between Beni and Goma experienced a technical issue shortly after departure. The aircraft, carrying 8 Congolese passengers and 4 Russian crew members, encountered a problem with the left main landing gear. The captain reported the malfunction after takeoff but decided to continue the flight toward Goma.

Flight Details

While descending for landing at Goma Airport, the captain opted to divert to Kigali International Airport for an emergency landing due to the landing gear issue. The flight crew proceeded to Kigali, where they prepared for an emergency approach and landing.

Emergency Landing

During the landing at Kigali, the aircraft bounced on the runway. It subsequently veered off the paved surface and came to a stop. The landing gear problem, which had been reported earlier, is believed to have contributed to the abnormal landing sequence.

Aftermath

All 12 individuals aboard the aircraft sustained serious injuries in the incident. The aircraft itself was damaged beyond repair, indicating a total loss. Emergency services responded to the scene at Kigali International Airport. The exact aircraft type and registration were not disclosed in the initial report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jun 2004 Antonov AN-32 accident near Kigali, Rwanda?

A cargo flight with 8 Congolese passengers and 4 Russian crew members diverted to Kigali after a left main gear problem. Upon landing, the aircraft bounced, veered off the runway, and was destroyed. All 12 occupants suffered serious injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jun 2004 Antonov AN-32 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jun 2004 involved an Antonov AN-32, registration 9XR-SN, operated by Sun Air, at Kigali, Rwanda.