What happened
During the final approach phase at Bandundu Airport, a twin engine aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control. The aircraft's nose pitched downward, resulting in a high-impact collision with an earthen dwelling. The force of the impact caused the total destruction of the airframe.
According to accounts from the sole survivor, the accident was precipitated by an incident involving an animal being transported in the cabin. A passenger had brought a crocodile on board for the purpose of selling it as meat at a local market. During the descent, the animal escaped from its container and moved through the cabin. This caused significant distress among the passengers and the flight attendant, who moved toward the front of the aircraft to avoid the animal. This movement of people and the animal's movement toward the cockpit caused the center of gravity to shift excessively forward.
Findings
- The crash resulted in all occupants being killed, with the exception of one passenger.
- The primary factor in the loss of control was the unintended forward shift of the aircraft's center of gravity caused by the movement of passengers and an animal within the cabin.