On November 1, 1997, a Boeing 707 (registration 9Q-CKK) operated by Congo Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The nose landing gear failed to extend into the locked position during the approach phase. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced a landing gear malfunction during its approach to Kinshasa, resulting in a nose-first touchdown and significant airframe damage.
What happened
During the final approach to Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport, the flight crew notified air traffic control that the aircraft was experiencing a mechanical failure involving the nose landing gear. The crew reported that the nose gear remained trapped within the wheel well and was unresponsive to both standard and manual extension procedures.
As a result of the gear being stuck, the aircraft performed a landing on its nose. Upon contact with the runway, the plane slid along the surface before the motion eventually ceased. While the incident resulted in no fatalities or injuries, the impact and subsequent slide caused extensive damage to the airframe, rendering the aircraft a total loss.
Findings
The nose gear failed to deploy despite attempts at manual override.
The aircraft's landing configuration was incomplete at the time of touchdown.
Probable cause
The nose landing gear failed to extend into the locked position during the approach phase.
