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20 fatalities

Propeller Detachment Leads to Crash Near Kinshasa (9T-TCG)

Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of CongoTakeoff (climb)

On April 20, 1990, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 9T-TCG) operated by Zaire Air Force - Force Aérienne Zaïroise was involved in an aviation accident near Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo during takeoff. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of a propeller blade and subsequent loss of control during initial climb. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff, a detached propeller blade from engine number 3 struck engine number 4, causing severe vibrations and loss of control. The aircraft crashed in Kinkole, northeast of Kinshasa, injuring four and killing 20 occupants.

Accident

Shortly after departure from Kinshasa-N’Djili Airport, during the initial climb, a propeller blade separated from engine number 3. The detached blade struck engine number 4, leading to severe vibrations. The aircraft became unstable, lost speed and altitude, and subsequently crashed in the Kinkole area, approximately 8 kilometers northeast of the airport.

Casualties

Four passengers suffered injuries, including a four-year-old girl. Twenty other occupants were killed in the accident.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the loss of a propeller blade and subsequent loss of control during the initial climb.

Structural failure

Related events

Same operator

More Lockheed C-130 Hercules safety records →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Apr 1990 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo?

After takeoff, a detached propeller blade from engine number 3 struck engine number 4, causing severe vibrations and loss of control. The aircraft crashed in Kinkole, northeast of Kinshasa, injuring four and killing 20 occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Apr 1990 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 20 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Apr 1990 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 9T-TCG, operated by Zaire Air Force - Force Aérienne Zaïroise, at Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of a propeller blade and subsequent loss of control during initial climb.

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