Aircraft crash near Bambari, Central African Republic

10 fatalities • Moroubas, Central African Republic • Flight

A flight traveling from Bangui to Koumbala crashed in a remote area northwest of Bambari following an engine failure, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

While operating a flight from Bangui toward Koumbala in the Bamingui-Bangoran province, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving the right engine. While cruising at an altitude of 7,000 feet, the pilot responded to the technical issue by shutting down the affected engine and feathering the propeller. Following this event, the pilot declared an emergency and initiated a diversion toward Bambari Airport.

Approximately thirteen minutes after the engine malfunction, the aircraft type lost control and descended into a remote, isolated region situated roughly 60 km northwest of Bambari Airport. The impact of the crash and a subsequent fire caused the total destruction of the airframe. There were 10 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.

Findings

  • The flight crew attempted to manage a right engine failure by shutting down the engine and feathering the propeller.
  • The aircraft was unable to maintain controlled flight during the diversion to the nearest suitable airport.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost control and crashed following the failure of the right engine during an emergency diversion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-01-12 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Moroubas, Central African Republic?

A flight traveling from Bangui to Koumbala crashed in a remote area northwest of Bambari following an engine failure, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-01-12 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-01-12 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration TL-ASB, operated by Centravia, at Moroubas, Central African Republic.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost control and crashed following the failure of the right engine during an emergency diversion.

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