What happened
Following its departure from Kinshasa-Ndolo Airport, a twin engine airplane entered an uncontrollable descent while attempting to climb. The incident occurred during a period of marginal weather conditions. The aircraft eventually struck the Zaire River, making impact just a few hundred meters away from the shore.
At the time of the accident, the pilot was the only person on board the aircraft. Upon hitting the water, the plane sank beneath the surface. The crash resulted in one fatality, as the pilot was killed during the event.
Findings
- The flight was operating in poor visibility or marginal weather conditions at the time of the accident.
- The aircraft lost control during the initial climb phase following takeoff.