Fatal aircraft crash in Minembwe Mountain Range

22 fatalities • Mt Minembwe, Democratic Republic of Congo • Flight

A charter flight traveling from Bukavu to Uvira crashed into a mountainside, resulting in the deaths of all 22 people on board.

What happened

A charter flight operating between Bukavu and Uvira crashed while navigating through restricted visibility. The aircraft was transporting passengers traveling to a peace conference intended to mediate between various factions in the eastern region of the country. During the cruise phase of the flight, the aircraft collided with a mountain slope within the Minembwe Mountain Range, situated approximately 70 km southwest of Uvira. The impact resulted in 22 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants.

Findings

  • The accident occurred during the cruise phase of flight.
  • Limited visibility was present at the time of the collision.
  • The aircraft struck terrain in the Minembwe Mountain Range.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying in conditions of limited visibility.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-09-12 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Mt Minembwe, Democratic Republic of Congo?

A charter flight traveling from Bukavu to Uvira crashed into a mountainside, resulting in the deaths of all 22 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-09-12 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 22 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-09-12 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration 9Q-CRY, operated by TMK Air Commuter - Société de Transports et Messageries au Kivu, at Mt Minembwe, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying in conditions of limited visibility.

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