Aircraft crash near Bukavu-Kamembe Airport

17 fatalities • Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo • Landing (descent or approach)

A humanitarian flight traveling from Kinshasa crashed into Mount Kahuzi during its approach to Bukavu, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

A humanitarian mission operating a flight from Kinshasa toward Goma, which included scheduled stops in Mbandual, Kisangani, and Bukavu, ended in a fatal accident. During the final approach to Bukavu-Kamembe Airport, the flight encountered severe weather conditions that significantly reduced visibility.

While flying at an altitude of approximately 10,800 feet, the aircraft collided with the terrain on the slope of Mt Kahuzi, situated roughly 15 km northwest of the airport. Search teams located the wreckage within a forested region one day after the impact. The accident resulted in 17 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants, which included several emissaries.

Findings

  • The crew was operating under poor visibility caused by adverse weather conditions during the approach phase.
  • The collision occurred at an altitude of roughly 10,800 feet.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope during approach due to degraded visibility caused by inclement weather.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-09-01 Beechcraft 1900C accident near Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo?

A humanitarian flight traveling from Kinshasa crashed into Mount Kahuzi during its approach to Bukavu, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 2008-09-01 Beechcraft 1900C accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 17 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-09-01 involved a Beechcraft 1900C, registration ZS-OLD, operated by Air Serv International, at Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope during approach due to degraded visibility caused by inclement weather.

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