Aircraft gear collapse and fire at Kananga Airport

No fatalities • Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo • Landing (descent or approach)

A landing accident involving a gear collapse resulted in a post-landing fire at Kananga Airport, though all occupants escaped without injury.

What happened

During the landing phase at Kananga Airport, the aircraft experienced a structural failure when the right main landing gear collapsed upon contact with the runway. Following the collapse, the aircraft veered off the active runway surface. The momentum of the excursion caused the aircraft to come to a stop, at which point the airframe ignited and was consumed by flames.

Despite the intensity of the fire, all five people on board were able to evacuate the wreckage. There were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported among the occupants. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the collapse of the right main landing gear immediately following touchdown.

Probable cause

The collapse of the right main landing gear during touchdown led to the aircraft veering off the runway and subsequent fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-01-16 Boeing 707 accident near Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo?

A landing accident involving a gear collapse resulted in a post-landing fire at Kananga Airport, though all occupants escaped without injury.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-01-16 Boeing 707 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-01-16 involved a Boeing 707, registration P4-OOO, operated by First International Airlines, at Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the right main landing gear during touchdown led to the aircraft veering off the runway and subsequent fire.

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