2 fatalities

Aircraft crash in Kolwezi results in two fatalities (KAT-04)

Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of CongoFlight

On September 15, 1961, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration KAT-04) operated by United Nations Organization (UNO) was involved in an aviation accident near Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was brought down by gunfire. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft belonging to the Katanga Air Force crashed in Kolwezi during September, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

What happened

In September, an aircraft previously operated by the Katanga Air Force was involved in a fatal accident in Kolwezi. The plane had been seized by United Nations officials on August 28 and subsequently repurposed for various humanitarian operations.

During the month of the incident, the aircraft was shut down and subsequently crashed. The impact of the crash resulted in two fatalities, specifically involving both pilots on board at the time of the event.

Findings

Official investigations into the destruction of the aircraft concluded that the plane was shot down during its operations.

Probable cause

The aircraft was brought down by gunfire.