What happened
During flight, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving one of its engines. Following this loss of power, the crew attempted to manage the situation by applying maximum thrust to the remaining operational engine. However, the combination of the single-engine state and high outside air temperature (OAT) prevented the aircraft from sustaining its necessary altitude.
As the plane lost airspeed and began descending, it eventually entered a stall. The descent continued until the aircraft impacted the slope of a mountain situated in the vicinity of Kivu Lake. The accident resulted in 39 fatalities, including all three crew members and 36 passengers. Additionally, four passengers sustained injuries during the impact.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor was an engine failure during flight. This loss of power, compounded by unfavorable atmospheric conditions related to high ambient temperatures, rendered the aircraft unable to maintain a safe flight path.