Aircraft crash near Kinshasa-N’Djili Airport

20 fatalities • Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed in Kinkole following an engine failure and subsequent loss of control during the climb phase after departing Kinshasa.

What happened

During the initial climb following departure from Kinshasa-N’Djili Airport, the aircraft experienced a significant mechanical failure. A propeller blade from the third engine separated and collided with the fourth engine. This impact triggered intense vibrations throughout the airframe, leading to a critical loss of airspeed and altitude. The aircraft was unable to maintain flight and descended into the Kinkole area, situated approximately 8 km northeast of the departure airfield.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the detachment of a propeller blade from engine number three.
  • The resulting impact with the adjacent engine caused severe structural instability.
  • The accident resulted in 20 fatalities and 4 injuries, including a young child.
  • The flight was in the climb phase at the time of the incident.

Probable cause

The separation of a propeller blade from one engine caused a secondary impact with another engine, leading to uncontrollable vibrations and loss of flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-04-20 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Kinshasa-N'Djili, Democratic Republic of Congo?

An aircraft crashed in Kinkole following an engine failure and subsequent loss of control during the climb phase after departing Kinshasa.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-04-20 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 1990-04-20 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?

The separation of a propeller blade from one engine caused a secondary impact with another engine, leading to uncontrollable vibrations and loss of flight.

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