Flight Details
The aircraft departed Kinshasa-Ndolo Airport on a cargo flight to Tembo, carrying 18 passengers, three crew members, and a load of diamonds valued at 150 million Zaire.
Accident Sequence
Just after liftoff, at a height of approximately one meter, both engines lost power. The captain decided to abort the takeoff and land back on the runway, initiating emergency braking. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran at high speed, rolled through a road where it struck several vehicles, and eventually came to rest, bursting into flames.
Casualties
Six passengers and eight people on the ground were killed. Other occupants sustained injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the aircraft was overloaded and that both engines lost power at liftoff.