What happened
A twin-engine aircraft was conducting a cargo operation from Walikale to Goma, transporting a load of approximately two tons of cassiterite minerals. The flight was accompanied by one passenger and two pilots. Shortly after the aircraft departed from a 700-meter dirt runway, an engine malfunction occurred, causing one of the engines to catch fire.
In response to the fire, the crew attempted to execute an emergency landing by returning to the departure point. During this maneuver, the aircraft became uncontrollable and impacted a wooded area. The accident resulted in 3 fatalities, with no survivors among the crew or the passenger.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the loss of control was an engine fire that occurred during the initial climb phase of the flight.