On August 3, 2006, a PZL-Mielec AN-28 (registration 9Q-COM) operated by Tracep was involved in an aviation accident near Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo during landing or approach. 17 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft flew into the ground under controlled conditions during a descent through poor weather. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine aircraft crashed in wooded, hilly terrain approximately 15 km from Bukavu Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 17 people on board.
What happened
During an approach to Bukavu-Kamembe Airport, a twin-engine aircraft encountered severe weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall and reduced visibility. As the flight was descending toward its destination, the aircraft struck trees while maneuvering through hilly and heavily forested terrain. The impact occurred roughly 15 km away from the airport.
The crash resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were no survivors among the 17 fatalities recorded during the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor leading to the crash was controlled flight into terrain. The combination of stormy weather and low visibility likely contributed to the aircraft's descent into the wooded landscape.
Probable cause
The aircraft flew into the ground under controlled conditions during a descent through poor weather.