Aircraft crash in Sanaga River near Douala

1 fatality • Mouangko, Cameroon • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a tree and plunged into the Sanaga River during low-altitude flight, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

During a period of low-altitude cruising, a twin-engine aircraft struck a tree before descending into the Sanaga River. The accident occurred approximately 40 km south of Douala. Following the failure of the flight to reach its intended destination at Douala Airport, search and rescue operations were initiated.

The wreckage was not located immediately; it remained missing for five weeks until it was discovered near Mouangko on October 26. The crash resulted in one fatality, involving the pilot.

Findings

Investigations into the incident noted that the aircraft was operating at an insufficient altitude at the time of the impact, though the specific reason for this low-level flight remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The aircraft was flying at an inadequate altitude for its flight phase, leading to a collision with a tree.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1956-09-18 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident near Mouangko, Cameroon?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a tree and plunged into the Sanaga River during low-altitude flight, resulting in one fatality.

Were there any fatalities in the 1956-09-18 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1956-09-18 involved a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, registration F-OAVZ, operated by Transports Aériens du Gabon, at Mouangko, Cameroon.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was flying at an inadequate altitude for its flight phase, leading to a collision with a tree.

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