Aircraft accident at Albertville Airport during humanitarian mission

4 fatalities • Albertville, Democratic Republic of Congo • Landing (descent or approach)

A humanitarian flight operating for the UNO crashed after striking a runway defect during landing at Albertville Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities.

What happened

While performing a humanitarian mission on behalf of the UNO, an aircraft traveling from Pisa to Albertville via Entebbe experienced a fatal accident upon arrival. Following the touchdown at Albertville Airport, the crew initiated standard braking maneuvers. During this process, one of the landing gear components struck a depression in the runway surface.

The force of the impact caused the undercarriage to be sheared away from the airframe. This mechanical failure led to a total loss of directional control, causing the aircraft type to veer off the active runway. The sequence ended when the plane came to a halt while engulfed in flames. The accident resulted in four fatalities among the crew and six injuries to other occupants on board.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the loss of control was the undercarriage striking a hole in the runway surface during the landing roll.

Probable cause

The aircraft's landing gear was severed after hitting a hole in the runway, leading to a loss of control and subsequent fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-11-17 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Albertville, Democratic Republic of Congo?

A humanitarian flight operating for the UNO crashed after striking a runway defect during landing at Albertville Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-11-17 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1961-11-17 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration MM52-6014, operated by Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana, at Albertville, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's landing gear was severed after hitting a hole in the runway, leading to a loss of control and subsequent fire.

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