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Single-engine aircraft crash in Zaire River near Kinshasa (9Q-CEZ)

Kinshasa-Ndolo, Democratic Republic of CongoTakeoff (climb)

On November 29, 1983, a Partenavia P.68 (registration 9Q-CEZ) operated by Zaire Catholic Mission was involved in an aviation accident near Kinshasa-Ndolo, Democratic Republic of Congo during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost control during its climb phase while flying in marginal weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed into the Zaire River shortly after departing Kinshasa-Ndolo Airport, resulting in the death of the pilot.

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.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost control during its climb phase while flying in marginal weather conditions.

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