Aircraft crash near Kahemba following windshield wiper failure

No fatalities • Kahemba, Democratic Republic of Congo • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed a short distance from the Kahemba airfield during an approach in heavy rainfall after the windshield wipers ceased to function.

What happened

During an approach to the Kahemba airfield, an aircraft encountered intense rainfall. During this period of heavy precipitation, the windshield wipers on the plane stopped working correctly. As a result of the reduced visibility and mechanical issue, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently crashed a few kilometers away from the landing strip.

There were no fatalities or injuries reported in relation to this incident. However, the impact resulted in the aircraft being written off due to the extent of the damage sustained during the crash.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor leading to the loss of control was the failure of the windshield wipers while the aircraft was operating in heavy rain.

Probable cause

The failure of the windshield wipers during heavy rainfall prevented adequate visibility for the approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1954-05-01 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident near Kahemba, Democratic Republic of Congo?

An aircraft crashed a short distance from the Kahemba airfield during an approach in heavy rainfall after the windshield wipers ceased to function.

Were there any fatalities in the 1954-05-01 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1954-05-01 involved a De Havilland DH.104 Dove, registration OO-CFD, operated by SABENA - Société Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne, at Kahemba, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the windshield wipers during heavy rainfall prevented adequate visibility for the approach.

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