1997-09-12: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (9Q-CRY) — TMK Air Commuter - Société de Transports et Messageries au Kivu — Mt Minembwe, Democratic Republic of Congo
On September 12, 1997, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration 9Q-CRY) operated by TMK Air Commuter - Société de Transports et Messageries au Kivu was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Minembwe, Democratic Republic of Congo in flight. 22 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A charter flight from Bukavu to Uvira struck a mountain in the Minembwe Mountain Range during limited visibility, killing all 22 occupants. The official probable cause was controlled flight into terrain.
Incident Overview
A charter flight completing a journey from Bukavu to Uvira collided with a mountain slope. The aircraft was operating in limited visibility at the time of the accident. All 22 people on board were killed.
Location and Circumstances
The accident occurred in the Minembwe Mountain Range, approximately 70 kilometers southwest of Uvira. The aircraft struck the slope of a mountain while cruising. The passengers were traveling to a peace meeting between factions in the eastern part of the country.
Occupants
The flight carried 22 occupants, all of whom died in the accident. No other details about the occupants were provided in the investigation.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be controlled flight into terrain.