On July 19, 1960, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration CP-36) operated by Belgian Air Force - Force Aérienne Belge - Belgische Luchtmacht was involved in an aviation accident near Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo in flight. 39 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure in flight. 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.
An engine failed during flight, and with high outside air temperature, the crew could not maintain altitude despite full power on the remaining engine. The aircraft stalled and crashed on a mountain slope near Kivu Lake, killing all three crew members and 36 passengers, while four passengers sustained injuries.
Accident Overview
An aircraft experienced an engine failure while in flight. The combination of the failed engine and a high outside air temperature prevented the flight crew from maintaining a safe altitude, even with the remaining engine set to full power. The airplane subsequently lost speed and height, entered a stall, and crashed on the slope of a mountain near Kivu Lake.
Casualties
All three crew members and 36 passengers were killed in the accident. Four other passengers were injured.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the probable cause of the accident was engine failure in flight.