Accident Overview
On an unspecified date, a twin-engine airplane operated by the Institut Géographique du Congo Belge (IGCB) was engaged in a flight from Kindu to Bukavu. The crew consisted of pilot Mr. Berny, navigator Mr. Orban, mechanic Mr. Volvert, and photographer Mr. Goffin.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff from Kindu Airport, the aircraft was climbing in good weather conditions. The pilot initiated a left turn to join the valley bound for Bukavu. Shortly thereafter, the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent, became inverted, and crashed in a nose-down attitude into a wooded area near the airport. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames. The airplane was totally destroyed.
Investigation
Official investigators stated that it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the accident. Weather conditions were good, and the aircraft's position at impact indicated it was out of control. A possible scenario proposed was that during the turn after takeoff, a sudden loss of power occurred on both engines. This would have caused the aircraft to stall, increase its bank angle, and flip over before nosediving toward the ground. Examination of the engines suggested that only a fuel supply failure could have caused the loss of power. A plausible explanation for the fuel supply failure is an error by the pilot in selecting the fuel tanks.
Probable Cause
It was not possible to determine the exact cause of the accident. Weather conditions were good and the aircraft’s position at impact indicates it was out of control. It is possible that during the turn made after takeoff, a sudden loss of power occurred on both engines. The aircraft would then have stalled, increased its bank angle, and flipped over before nosediving toward the ground. An examination of the engines leads to the conclusion that only a fuel supply failure could have caused this loss of power. A plausible explanation for the fuel supply failure is an error by the pilot in selecting the fuel tanks.