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31 fatalities

Douglas DC-4 accident at Democratic Republic of Congo, 13 May 1948 (OO-CBE)

Democratic Republic of CongoLanding (descent or approach)

On May 13, 1948, a Douglas DC-4 (registration OO-CBE) operated by SABENA - Société Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne was involved in an aviation accident near Democratic Republic of Congo during landing or approach. 31 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control caused by severe turbulence and/or downdraft while flying in poor weather conditions. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

Loss of control caused by severe turbulence and/or downdraft while flying in poor weather conditions.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The four engine aircraft left Léopoldville Airport at 0805LT bound for Libenge. About three hours later, as he started the descent to Libenge, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with heavy rain falls, low clouds and turbulence. While descending at an altitude of 700 feet, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in a wooded area located near the village of Magazini, some 27 km south of Libenge. A passenger was seriously injured while 31 other occupants were killed.

Probable cause (official findings): Loss of control caused by severe turbulence and/or downdraft while flying in poor weather conditions.

Related events

Same operator

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