28 fatalities

Cargo Aircraft Crashes in Bangui Residential Area (9XR-IS)

Bangui, Central African RepublicLanding (descent or approach)

On July 4, 2002, a Boeing 707 (registration 9XR-IS) operated by Prestige Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Bangui, Central African Republic during landing or approach. 28 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew reported that the undercarriage could not be raised. Loss of control on final approach after all four engines stopped due to a fuel exhaustion. 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
Boeing 707
Photo: USAF / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A cargo aircraft carrying 21 passengers and nine crew crashed in a residential area near Bangui Airport after all four engines stopped due to fuel exhaustion. 28 people were killed, and two were injured.

Background

A cargo flight departed N'Djamena Airport bound for Brazzaville, carrying 21 passengers, nine crew members, and a load of onions and garlic.

Accident Sequence

Shortly after takeoff, the crew reported technical problems with the undercarriage and was cleared to divert to Bangui Airport. The crew executed a holding circuit over Bangui to consume fuel before beginning the descent. On final approach to runway 35, all four engines stopped simultaneously due to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft stalled and crashed in a residential area located 4 km short of the runway.

Casualties and Injuries

A crew member and one passenger were injured, while 28 other people were killed. There were no casualties on the ground.

Probable Cause

The crew reported that the undercarriage could not be raised. Loss of control on final approach after all four engines stopped due to a fuel exhaustion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 2002 Boeing 707 accident near Bangui, Central African Republic?

A cargo aircraft carrying 21 passengers and nine crew crashed in a residential area near Bangui Airport after all four engines stopped due to fuel exhaustion. 28 people were killed, and two were injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 2002 Boeing 707 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 28 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 2002 involved a Boeing 707, registration 9XR-IS, operated by Prestige Airlines, at Bangui, Central African Republic.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew reported that the undercarriage could not be raised. Loss of control on final approach after all four engines stopped due to a fuel exhaustion.