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3 fatalities

Aircraft Crash During Initial Climb (MM52-6011)

Kananga, Democratic Republic of CongoTakeoff (climb)

On February 15, 1961, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration MM52-6011) operated by Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana was involved in an aviation accident near Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine during takeoff. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff due to a left engine failure, killing three crew members and injuring six others, including UNO mission personnel.

Incident Overview and Casualties The accident occurred just after liftoff while the aircraft was in its initial climb phase. During this period, the left engine failed, leading to a stall and subsequent crash. The incident resulted in three fatalities and six injuries. Among the injured were several Pakistan soldiers participating in a UNO mission. The three individuals killed in the crash were identified as Cpt Sergio Celli, the pilot; Lt Dario Giorgi, also a pilot; and Italo Quadri. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the left engine during takeoff. No other factors or causes were specified in the source material.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Feb 1961 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo?

An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff due to a left engine failure, killing three crew members and injuring six others, including UNO mission personnel.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Feb 1961 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Feb 1961 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration MM52-6011, operated by Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana, at Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the left engine during takeoff.

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