On June 30, 2025, a Cessna 208A Caravan was involved in an aviation accident near Minembwe, Democratic Republic of Congo during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by FARDC soldiers. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A single-engine airplane conducting a humanitarian flight from Kigali was shot down by FARDC soldiers near Minembwe, crashing and bursting into flames. Both pilots and a woman and her child on the ground were injured.
Incident
A single-engine airplane was approaching Minembwe when it was shot down by FARDC soldiers and crashed in a wooded area, bursting into flames. Both pilots sustained injuries, and two individuals on the ground—a woman and her child—were also injured.
Circumstances
The airplane was reportedly performing a humanitarian flight, carrying medics from Kigali. The exact circumstances of the mishap remain unclear.
Official Statements
The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported that the airplane entered Congolese airspace without permission and that the aircraft bore no registration marks on its fuselage.
Probable Cause
Official findings state that the airplane was shot down by FARDC soldiers.