Engine failure leads to crash near Shabunda Airport

No fatalities • Shabunda, Democratic Republic of Congo • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine cargo aircraft crashed short of its destination in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following an engine power loss during final approach.

What happened

A cargo flight operating from Bukavu-Kavili Airport experienced a critical failure while approaching Shabunda Airport. The flight, which began at 13:41 local time, was a scheduled 40-minute transport mission carrying 1,500 kilograms of various goods.

During the final approach phase, while the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 300 feet, the right engine experienced a loss of power. In an effort to manage the emergency, the crew attempted to perform an emergency landing. However, the aircraft entered a stall during the maneuver and struck a grove of palm trees located roughly 3.7 kilometers before reaching the runway.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the twin engine aircraft. Both members of the flight crew sustained serious injuries during the accident.

Findings

  • The primary factor leading to the crash was the loss of power in the right engine during the final approach.
  • The subsequent stall prevented the crew from completing a successful emergency landing on the available runway.

Probable cause

The loss of power in the right engine caused the aircraft to stall during an emergency landing attempt.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-10-25 Let L-410 accident near Shabunda, Democratic Republic of Congo?

A twin-engine cargo aircraft crashed short of its destination in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following an engine power loss during final approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 2014-10-25 Let L-410 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-10-25 involved a Let L-410, registration 9Q-COT, operated by Mango Airlines, at Shabunda, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of power in the right engine caused the aircraft to stall during an emergency landing attempt.

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