What happened
During a taxiing maneuver in reverse at Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport, the crew utilized thrust reversers but neglected to deploy the flaps before attempting departure. As the takeoff roll commenced, the pilot-in-command initiated rotation as soon as the nose gear left the ground. Despite the aircraft failing to achieve flight, the crew proceeded with the takeoff attempt rather than aborting the procedure.
As the run continued, the aircraft reached a critical angle of attack and a high nose-up attitude. The plane traveled approximately 3,800 meters down the runway before overrunning the paved surface. It continued for an additional 800 meters until it encountered uneven terrain. The impact with ground irregularities caused the right wing to separate from the fuselage, leading to a crash and subsequent fire. There were 10 fatalities among the occupants.
Findings
Investigation into the sequence of events indicates that the crew failed to extend the flaps prior to the takeoff roll. Additionally, the decision to continue the takeoff despite the aircraft's failure to lift off contributed to the eventual overrun and destruction of the aircraft.