8 fatalities

Disappearance of twin-engine aircraft en route from Isiro to Kisangani (9Q-CTS)

Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of CongoFlight

On April 16, 1980, a Partenavia P.68 (registration 9Q-CTS) operated by Plankumu was involved in an aviation accident near Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo in flight. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause remains undetermined due to the total absence of aircraft wreckage or debris. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane carrying eight people vanished while flying between Isiro and Kisangani, with search efforts ultimately unsuccessful.

What happened

A flight traveling from Isiro toward Kisangani failed to reach its destination, resulting in the disappearance of a twin engine airplane. The aircraft was carrying a total of eight occupants at the time of its disappearance. Following the loss of contact, search and rescue operations were launched to locate the missing plane and its passengers.

Despite an intensive period of searching, no wreckage or debris from the aircraft was ever located. After one month of active investigation and scanning the flight path area, the search and rescue mission was officially terminated because no trace of the flight could be found.

Findings

No specific cause for the disappearance has been determined, as the lack of any physical evidence or wreckage prevented a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the loss.

Probable cause

The cause remains undetermined due to the total absence of aircraft wreckage or debris.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Apr 1980 Partenavia P.68 accident near Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo?

A twin-engine airplane carrying eight people vanished while flying between Isiro and Kisangani, with search efforts ultimately unsuccessful.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Apr 1980 Partenavia P.68 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Apr 1980 involved a Partenavia P.68, registration 9Q-CTS, operated by Plankumu, at Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause remains undetermined due to the total absence of aircraft wreckage or debris.