No fatalities

Aircraft Accident at Kananga Airport (P4-OOO)

Kananga, Democratic Republic of CongoLanding (descent or approach)

On January 16, 1997, a Boeing 707 (registration P4-OOO) operated by First International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right main gear upon landing for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 707
Photo: USAF / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft suffered a right main gear collapse after landing at Kananga Airport, veering off the runway and catching fire. All five occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview and Outcome An aircraft experienced a mechanical failure immediately after touching down at Kananga Airport. The right main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. The aircraft came to a stop and subsequently burst into flames. All five occupants on board escaped the incident without sustaining injuries. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair. ## Official Investigation Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the right main gear upon landing. The specific reasons for this failure were not identified in the official findings.

Frequently asked questions

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

An aircraft suffered a right main gear collapse after landing at Kananga Airport, veering off the runway and catching fire. All five occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.

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

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jan 1997 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?

Failure of the right main gear upon landing for unknown reasons.