Flight Details
According to the official investigation, the twin-engine airplane departed Léopoldville on a flight to Bunia, with intermediate stops at Coquihatville and Stanleyville. On board were two crew members—pilot H. Croquet and mechanic Mr. Bouin—who were returning to their base at Bunia-Irumu Airfield. The aircraft departed Coquihatville Airport at 1023 local time on the second leg of the day.
Accident Sequence
While cruising in conditions of limited visibility, the pilot became disoriented and flew southeast instead of east, deviating from the intended course. As the aircraft ran short of fuel, the pilot attempted an emergency landing near the village of Yailunga. During the descent, the airplane impacted two tall trees before crashing in a wooded area. No fire occurred after impact.
Wreckage and Crew
The wreckage was located approximately 280 kilometers south of Stanleyville. Both crew members—H. Croquet, the pilot, and Mr. Bouin, the mechanic—were killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official findings stated that the aircraft had no technical issues. The flight took place in fairly limited visibility due to dry fog. The deviation from the intended course was attributed to a navigation error, and the pilot was forced to attempt an emergency landing because the aircraft was running low on fuel.