Incident Details
A cargo flight operating between Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport and Lubumbashi-Luano Airport completed an uneventful flight before being cleared to descend and land on runway 07. Upon landing, the crew initiated braking procedures. At a speed of 80 knots, the aircraft deviated to the left, veering off the runway. While contacting soft ground, the nose gear collapsed. The airplane continued for approximately 200 metres before coming to rest in a grassy area along the left shoulder of the runway.
Evacuation and Damage
The aircraft carried five crew members and one passenger. All six occupants evacuated safely. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified the following factors: reduction of simulator training hours for economic reasons for someone who has never performed the duties of controlling an aircraft on the ground; the runway shoulders at Lubumbashi (Luano) do not have the same characteristics with regard to strength (see Annex 14 and Document 9157 Part 3). In conclusion, the actions taken on the rudder before it became ineffective must have been the cause of the aircraft's deviation from the runway centreline and the loss of control of the aircraft (LOC-G).