On June 12, 2008, a Learjet 35 (registration D-CFAI) operated by FAI rent-a-jet was involved in an aviation accident near Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The specific reason for the rejected takeoff remains undetermined, though the maneuver led to a runway excursion and structural damage. 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.
A United Nations cargo flight experienced a rejected takeoff in Kisangani, resulting in the loss of the main landing gear and wing damage.
What happened
During a scheduled cargo operation for the United Nations, an aircraft was performing a flight from Kisangani to Bukavu. As the flight was performing its takeoff roll, the crew initiated an aborted takeoff for reasons that have not yet been determined. During this maneuver, the aircraft veered toward the right side of the runway.
This deviation caused significant structural damage, specifically resulting in the main landing gear being torn from the airframe. Following the separation of the gear, the aircraft slid for several dozen meters along the surface. The sequence concluded when the aircraft came to a stop with the right wing sustaining severe damage. There were no fatalities or injuries reported among the crew members, as both pilots were able to exit the aircraft safely.
Findings
The crew elected to abort the takeoff during the initial roll.
The aircraft experienced a lateral deviation to the right during the rejected takeoff.
The separation of the main landing gear was a direct result of the directional deviation.
Probable cause
The specific reason for the rejected takeoff remains undetermined, though the maneuver led to a runway excursion and structural damage.