No fatalities

2012-06-20: Grumman G-159 Gulfstream I (9Q-CIT) — International Trans Air Business — Pweto, Democratic Republic of Congo

Pweto, Democratic Republic of CongoLanding (descent or approach)

On June 20, 2012, a Grumman G-159 Gulfstream I (registration 9Q-CIT) operated by International Trans Air Business was involved in an aviation accident near Pweto, Democratic Republic of Congo during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration after the crew made a sharp turn late on final to join the glide. The rate of descent was excessive during the last segment, causing the aircraft to land hard and to bounce. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781194781Data APIEditorial standards

A charter flight from Lubumbashi-Lueno Airport experienced a steep approach and hard landing, resulting in a bounce, loss of control, and collision with a rocky embankment. The aircraft was destroyed, but all five occupants escaped uninjured.

Incident Overview

A charter flight operating from Lubumbashi-Lueno Airport concluded its journey with a steep approach followed by a hard landing. The aircraft bounced, climbing to an estimated height of 20 feet, then landed again and went out of control.

Sequence of Events

After an uneventful flight, the crew initiated an approach that was notably steep. The landing was hard, causing the aircraft to bounce. Following the bounce, the airplane veered left off the runway and collided with a rocky embankment. The undercarriage was lost, and the aircraft came to rest broken into several pieces.

Aftermath

The aircraft was destroyed. Despite the severity of the impact, all five occupants evacuated without injury.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause was a wrong approach configuration after the crew made a sharp turn late on final to join the glide. The rate of descent was excessive during the last segment, causing the aircraft to land hard and to bounce. Due to excessive g-loads and aerodynamic forces, the airplane went out of control.