31 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident near Kisangani Airport (9T-TCD)

Kisangani, Democratic Republic of CongoLanding (descent or approach)

On August 18, 1974, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 9T-TCD) operated by Zaire Air Force - Force Aérienne Zaïroise was involved in an aviation accident near Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo during landing or approach. 31 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time. 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 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed during a night approach to Kisangani Airport, resulting in no survivors among the 31 people on board.

What happened

On an unspecified date, a four-engine airplane was conducting a night approach toward the runway threshold at Kisangani Airport. During this final phase of flight, the aircraft impacted the ground a few kilometers from the airport. The wreckage of the plane was discovered by responders the following morning.

There were 31 fatalities recorded in the accident, as all occupants on board the aircraft perished upon impact.

Findings

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash remain undetermined, as the specific cause of the descent and subsequent impact has not been established.

Probable cause

The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Aug 1974 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo?

A four-engine aircraft crashed during a night approach to Kisangani Airport, resulting in no survivors among the 31 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Aug 1974 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 31 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Aug 1974 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 9T-TCD, operated by Zaire Air Force - Force Aérienne Zaïroise, at Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time.