Incident
On approach to Kinshasa, the crew of a twin-engine charter flight encountered poor weather conditions, including thunderstorm activity, heavy rainfall, and strong crosswinds. The aircraft had departed Brazzaville carrying 13 passengers—all Air France crew members—and two pilots. After touchdown, the aircraft became unstable, deviated to the left, and veered off the runway. While contacting soft ground, the aircraft lost its undercarriage and slid for several dozen meters before coming to rest beside the runway.
Aftermath
All 15 occupants evacuated the aircraft without injury. However, the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, it is believed that the aircraft became unstable at touchdown due to strong crosswinds. An inappropriate reaction on the part of the pilot-in-command, an overcorrection, or a wrong configuration may have been a contributing factor.