3 fatalities

2022-11-03: Let L-410 (9S-GPK) — Goma Express — Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of CongoFlight

On November 3, 2022, a Let L-410 (registration 9S-GPK) operated by Goma Express was involved in an aviation accident near Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. Nevertheless, it may be the consequence of an insufficient consideration of weather conditions during flight preparation or during the flight itself, to a system or component failure, or… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781189524Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight from Kasese to Goma crashed in South Kivu, killing all three occupants. Wreckage found two days later; post-impact fire destroyed the aircraft. Cause undetermined.

Accident

On an unspecified date, a cargo aircraft departed Kasese Airport at 1500 local time for a flight to Goma. The aircraft was carrying two pilots, one passenger, and a load of various goods totaling one ton. En route, weather conditions deteriorated with low clouds and heavy rainfall. The aircraft failed to arrive at its destination, prompting search and rescue operations. The wreckage was located two days later in a dense wooded area in South Kivu, approximately 139 kilometers southwest of Goma. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-impact fire, and all three occupants were killed.

Crew and Occupants

The crew consisted of pilot Peter Sabo and one additional crew member, along with one passenger. The source identifies the crew as "Peter Sabo +1," indicating two pilots and one passenger, for a total of three occupants.

Investigation

The official investigation was unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, investigators stated that the accident may have been the consequence of an insufficient consideration of weather conditions during flight preparation or during the flight itself, a system or component failure, or human error (specifically error of judgment and decision-making).

Probable cause

Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. Nevertheless, it may be the consequence of an insufficient consideration of weather conditions during flight preparation or during the flight itself, to a system or component failure, or to human error (error of judgment and decision-making).