Incident
On 22 May 1964, a United Nations de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter, serial 303, was tasked with overseeing the evacuation of Scandinavian personnel from the Lemera mission station by an army convoy traveling from Bukavu. The aircraft took off with pilot Gunnar Elg, flight engineer Gosta Kersmark in the right seat, and four passengers—a radio operator and three observers—in the cabin.
Flight and Damage
The Otter followed the road southward at an altitude of 1,200 feet, which the crew believed to be a safe height. After overflying Luvungi airstrip, the crew observed a parked lorry about five kilometers further on. An occupant of the lorry fired an automatic weapon at the aircraft. The bullet struck the Otter with a loud bang, and oil pressure dropped to zero, indicating a severed oil line. The engineer throttled back, but engine RPM remained unchanged, suggesting damage to the propeller adjustment oil pressure system. The hydromatic propeller could not be adjusted to reduce RPM or stop the oil leak.
Landing and Escape
The pilot headed down following the road, which was straight but narrow, intending to land on it. After about two minutes, the engine failed with violent vibrations at an altitude of 30 feet above the road. Take-off flap had been selected during the descent, and just before landing the pilot pumped the flaps to the landing position. The Otter touched down on the road at 70 knots, rolling about 150 feet before the starboard wing was torn away by a tree. The aircraft left the road, lost the landing gear in a ditch, and came to rest. The engine was knocked off and thrown thirty feet forward. The aircraft was a complete wreck, but all six occupants escaped with only a few cuts and bruises. They assembled on the road and proceeded briskly toward the convoy. A Piper Apache aircraft overflew the group; its pilot waved and notified Kamembe Tower of the mishap. At times, the six hid in undergrowth when rebel troops were encountered. They eventually met the convoy and were taken to safety.
Aftermath
At the time of the crash, the Otter had 4,389 airframe hours. On 25 May 1964, United Nations C-47 serial 215 flew over the wreck, which was judged beyond economical repair. A salvage attempt was not made due to hostile forces in the area. The Board of Inquiry recommended writing the Otter off the UN inventory and handing the remains to the Congolese government.