On October 8, 1990, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration 9XR-GV) operated by Rwandese Air Force - Force Aérienne Rwandaise was involved in an aviation accident near Kigali, Rwanda in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by gunfire. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An unidentified aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Kigali Airport following an apparent engagement by ground fire.
What happened
An aviation incident occurred in the area surrounding Kigali Airport involving an unspecified aircraft. During its flight, the aircraft was struck by projectiles, resulting in a crash near the airfield. At the time of the impact, the exact status and fate of the person on board remained unconfirmed.
Findings
Official investigations into the event concluded that the primary reason for the loss of the aircraft was that it was shot down. The sequence of events indicates that the destruction was caused by external kinetic force rather than mechanical failure or pilot error.
Probable cause
The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by gunfire.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 8 Oct 1990 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Kigali, Rwanda?
An unidentified aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Kigali Airport following an apparent engagement by ground fire.
Were there any fatalities in the 8 Oct 1990 Britten-Norman Islander accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Oct 1990 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration 9XR-GV, operated by Rwandese Air Force - Force Aérienne Rwandaise, at Kigali, Rwanda.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by gunfire.
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