On September 13, 2013, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration 9Q-CFT) operated by Air Kasai was involved in an aviation accident near Kamako, Democratic Republic of Congo during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control on short final due to combination of human error and weather component; pilot surprised by abrupt weather change, initiated go-around but low level windshear caused aircraft to lose height with insufficient speed, and the absence of a windsock… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft on approach to Kamako Airfield lost height after a sudden wind change and windshear, impacting 16 meters short of runway 12. All six occupants escaped uninjured; aircraft damaged beyond repair.
Incident Details
On a flight from Tshikapa, the pilot initiated an approach to Kamako Airfield in relatively good conditions. During the final approach, the wind component suddenly changed. The aircraft lost altitude and struck the ground 16 meters short of runway 12. The undercarriage was partially torn off upon impact. The aircraft slid and came to rest 37 meters past the runway threshold. The six occupants—one pilot and five passengers—escaped uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the loss of control on short final resulted from a combination of human error and weather factors. The pilot was surprised by the abrupt change in weather conditions and initiated a go-around by increasing engine power. However, low-level windshear caused the aircraft to lose height and impact the ground, as its speed was insufficient. The increase in power was too low to maintain the approach profile. Torsion of the propeller blades confirmed that the engine was at full power for a go-around at the time of impact. The absence of a windsock at Kamako Airfield was considered a contributing factor, as it would have helped the pilot recognize the wind component and make a timely decision to land or go-around.