Fatal aircraft crash in Gishwati Forest

14 fatalities • Gishwati Forest, Rwanda • Flight

A twin-engine charter flight traveling from Goma to Nairobi crashed into a mountainside, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

A charter flight operating between Goma Airport and Nairobi experienced a fatal accident while traversing the Gishwati Forest. The aircraft, a twin engine model, was transporting two pilots and 12 passengers, all of whom were US tourists returning from a photographic safari.

During the flight, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain. The force of the impact caused the plane to disintegrate upon hitting the terrain. There were no survivors of the accident, with a total of 14 fatalities recorded.

Findings

The investigation indicates that the aircraft's path led it directly into the mountainside during its flight phase over the forested region.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope during flight, causing the airframe to break apart.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-12-03 Cessna 404 Titan accident near Gishwati Forest, Rwanda?

A twin-engine charter flight traveling from Goma to Nairobi crashed into a mountainside, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1987-12-03 Cessna 404 Titan accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-12-03 involved a Cessna 404 Titan, registration 5Y-EJS, operated by Cooper Skybird Aircharters, at Gishwati Forest, Rwanda.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope during flight, causing the airframe to break apart.

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