What happened
While performing a takeoff roll from runway 18 at Goma Airport, the crew attempted to rotate the aircraft, but the plane failed to respond to the control inputs. Consequently, the aircraft continued down the runway, eventually overrunning the threshold. The impact occurred in the Birere District, approximately 100 meters beyond the end of the runway.
Following the overrun, the aircraft caught fire. The accident resulted in 40 fatalities, consisting of three passengers and 37 individuals located on the ground. While the remaining occupants of the aircraft sustained injuries, the aircraft itself was completely destroyed by the forces of the impact and the subsequent post-crash fire.
Findings
- The aircraft failed to respond during the rotation phase of takeoff.
- The failure of the aircraft to respond to rotation commands led to the runway excursion.