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.
What happened in the 1 Nov 1997 Boeing 707 accident near Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo?
An aircraft experienced a landing gear malfunction during its approach to Kinshasa, resulting in a nose-first touchdown and significant airframe damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Nov 1997 Boeing 707 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Nov 1997 involved a Boeing 707, registration 9Q-CKK, operated by Congo Airlines, at Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The nose landing gear failed to extend into the locked position during the approach phase.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…
