Accident Details
A single-engine airplane departed Kamako Airport on a flight to Tshikapa with intermediate stops in Nsumbula and Diboko. The aircraft was carrying five passengers and two pilots.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff, while climbing to a height of about 3,500 feet, the crew spotted birds in the vicinity when the engine lost power. The captain decided to return to Kamako but was unable to maintain a safe altitude. He then attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft crashed in a marshy field located 3 km from the airport and burst into flames.
Casualties
The captain and a passenger survived, while five other occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the engine lost power following a collision with a flock of birds, but the extent of damages could not be determined.