Accident
On a special flight from Berberati to Bambari with an intermediate stop at Bangui, the aircraft was carrying a crew of three and six passengers, including Barthélemy Boganda, President of the Central African Republic, and five members of his office. The president was returning to the capital after participating in discussions in Berberati. Approximately 27 minutes after takeoff from Berberati Airport, while at cruising altitude, the right wing failed and detached from the aircraft. Subsequently, the airplane lost control and dove into the ground, crashing in the savanna near Boukpayanga. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all nine occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the right wing detached in flight due to a structural failure caused by severe vibrations resulting from additional engines installed on this special Noratlas model.