Incident
During the takeoff roll at Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport, a tyre burst occurred on the left main gear of the aircraft. After liftoff, while in the initial climb, the crew was forced to shut down the left engine. Simultaneously, the hydraulic system failed. The crew declared an emergency and was cleared for an immediate return to the airport.
Emergency Return
On approach, the crew was unable to lower the nose gear due to the malfunction of the hydraulic system. The aircraft proceeded to land on runway 06.
Landing and Excursion
After touchdown on runway 06, the aircraft rolled for a distance of approximately 1,000 metres. It then veered off the runway to the right, slid on a grassy area, and came to rest 500 metres further. All 110 occupants evacuated safely. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause: a tyre burst on the left main gear during the takeoff procedure. Debris from the burst tyre damaged hydraulic lines and were ingested into the left engine, which then had to be shut down.