What happened
A cargo flight traveling from Goma to Walikale resulted in an aircraft accident involving a twin engine aircraft. The flight was transporting a cargo of ores along with two passengers and one pilot. Approximately ten minutes after departing from Goma, the aircraft encountered restricted visibility caused by adverse weather. During this period, the plane impacted the side of Mount Nyiragongo, situated roughly 15 km north of the Goma Airport departure point.
Search efforts located the wreckage at an elevation of 2,590 metres. Records indicate that the minimum safe altitude for the area was established at 3,400 metres, meaning the aircraft was flying below the required safety margin at the time of impact.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in poor weather conditions with limited visibility.
- The flight was performing a cargo mission involving the transport of minerals.
- The impact occurred at an altitude significantly lower than the prescribed minimum safe altitude.