Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Kimbwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, 31 Aug 1948 (OO-CBL)
On August 31, 1948, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration OO-CBL) operated by SABENA - Société Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne was involved in an aviation accident near Kimbwe, Democratic Republic of Congo in flight. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, the following assumptions have been ruled out: in flight fire, loss of element such as wing or stabilizer and/or any airframe vibration which might have come from a faulty… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, the following assumptions have been ruled out: in flight fire, loss of element such as wing or stabilizer and/or any airframe vibration which might have come from a faulty weight balance.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The airplane was on its final leg from Manono to Elisabethville. Flying in good weather conditions at a relative low altitude, it entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed inverted in a wooded area located in Kimbwe, 60 km north of E'ville. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 13 occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were considered as good with few clouds, no turbulence and good visibility. Crew: Arthur Deschamps, pilot, Raoul Gousseau, pilot, Englebert Rillaerts, flight engineer, Antoine Tshisahu, steward.
Probable cause (official findings): Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, the following assumptions have been ruled out: in flight fire, loss of element such as wing or stabilizer and/or any airframe vibration which might have come from a faulty weight balance.