What happened
During an approach into Paulis Airport (present-day Isiro), the aircraft encountered significant crosswind conditions. Upon making contact with the runway, the OT-CWH experienced a loss of directional control. The plane swerved across the runway surface and veered toward the right side of the strip.
As the excursion continued, the aircraft's right main landing gear was torn from the airframe. The movement eventually ceased after the plane came to a complete stop on the ground. While there were no injuries reported among those on board, the impact and subsequent structural damage rendered the ATR 42 a total loss.
Findings
- The primary factor in the excursion was the presence of high crosswinds during the landing phase.
- The aircraft sustained damage that exceeded repairable limits.