On December 28, 2019, a Let L-410 (registration 9S-GDX) operated by Air Fast Congo was involved in an aviation accident near Kamina, Democratic Republic of Congo during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost directional control after touchdown due to the slippery conditions of the wet earth runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft veered off a wet earth runway during touchdown, resulting in substantial damage but no injuries to the occupants.
What happened
During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft made contact with a runway composed of wet earth. Following the initial touchdown, the plane became unstable and began to deviate from its intended path. The aircraft veered toward the right side of the runway, where it subsequently collided with the shoulder of the landing strip.
As a result of the impact with the shoulder, the nose landing gear was sheared off from the airframe. The aircraft eventually came to a complete stop after the excursion. Despite the significant impact, all 18 occupants on board were able to evacuate the aircraft without sustaining any injuries.
Findings
The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the event.
The condition of the runway surface, specifically the wet earth composition, played a critical role in the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
Probable cause
The aircraft lost directional control after touchdown due to the slippery conditions of the wet earth runway.