On March 12, 1992, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration TN-ACX) operated by Lina Congo was involved in an aviation accident near Etsouali, Congo in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft encountered severe thunderstorm activity which led to a loss of altitude and subsequent loss of control. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A flight traveling from Owando to Brazzaville crashed in a prairie following encounters with severe weather, resulting in three fatalities.
What happened
While operating a flight from Owando to Brazzaville, the aircraft encountered intense thunderstorm activity while at cruising altitude. During this period of severe weather, the plane experienced a significant loss of altitude. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a prairie area.
As a result of the impact, the three crew members lost their lives. Among the passengers, five individuals sustained serious injuries during the accident.
Findings
The aircraft encountered heavy storm activity during the cruise phase of the flight.
The primary factor in the accident was the loss of control caused by the thunderstorm.
Probable cause
The aircraft encountered severe thunderstorm activity which led to a loss of altitude and subsequent loss of control.