On January 11, 1962, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration HP-312) operated by Aerovias Panama Airways - APASA was involved in an aviation accident near Maniamuna, Democratic Republic of Congo in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was destroyed by fire after being hijacked and forced to land in a remote area. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft was destroyed by fire after being hijacked and forced to land in a remote region of Katanga.
What happened
During the flight, unidentified hijackers took control of the aircraft and compelled the crew to perform an unscheduled landing. The plane was directed to a secluded location within the Maniamuna region of Katanga.
While the landing itself was executed without incident and all passengers and crew members were able to exit the aircraft safely, the situation turned destructive once on the ground. After the evacuation was complete, the hijackers set the aircraft on fire, resulting in its total destruction.
Findings
The aircraft was lost due to intentional arson following a hijacking event.
All individuals on board survived the incident without reported injuries.
Probable cause
The aircraft was destroyed by fire after being hijacked and forced to land in a remote area.