No fatalities

Aircraft crash following takeoff from Kasongo Airport (9Q-CUS)

Kasongo, Democratic Republic of CongoTakeoff (climb)

On March 29, 1963, a Douglas DC-3 (registration 9Q-CUS) operated by Air Congo was involved in an aviation accident near Kasongo, Democratic Republic of Congo during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft failed to maintain sufficient altitude during the initial climb, leading to a stall and collision with trees. 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 experienced engine or aerodynamic issues shortly after departing Kasongo Airport, resulting in a crash into nearby trees.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure from Kasongo Airport, the aircraft encountered significant difficulties maintaining its altitude. As the plane struggled to gain sufficient height, it made contact with several trees in the vicinity of the airfield.

Following the impact with the vegetation, the aircraft entered a stall condition and subsequently crashed. At this time, there is no official confirmation regarding the status of the occupants; the fate of the individual on board remains unknown.

Findings

Preliminary observations indicate that the primary issue was an inability to maintain climb performance immediately after takeoff, which led to the subsequent stall and impact with terrain features.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to maintain sufficient altitude during the initial climb, leading to a stall and collision with trees.