Single-engine aircraft crash near Kamako Airport

5 fatalities • Kamako, Democratic Republic of Congo • Takeoff (climb)

A single-engine airplane crashed in a marshy field near Kamako Airport following an engine failure caused by a bird strike during climb.

What happened

A flight departing from Kamako Airport for Tshikapa, which included scheduled stops at Nsumbula and Diboko, experienced a critical failure shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, carrying two pilots and five passengers, was ascending to an altitude of approximately 3,500 feet when the crew observed birds near the flight path. Immediately following this encounter, the engine lost power.

In an attempt to recover, the captain initiated a return to Kamako Airport. However, the loss of engine power prevented the aircraft from maintaining a safe altitude. The crew attempted an emergency landing, but the plane struck a marshy field roughly 3 km from the departure airport. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames.

Findings

The accident resulted in five fatalities and two survivors. The primary factor leading to the loss of power was an encounter with birds during the initial climb phase.

Probable cause

An engine failure occurred following a bird strike during the climb, preventing the aircraft from maintaining altitude for a return to the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-07-27 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Kamako, Democratic Republic of Congo?

A single-engine airplane crashed in a marshy field near Kamako Airport following an engine failure caused by a bird strike during climb.

Were there any fatalities in the 2018-07-27 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-07-27 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration 9S-GFS, operated by Air Kasai, at Kamako, Democratic Republic of Congo.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An engine failure occurred following a bird strike during the climb, preventing the aircraft from maintaining altitude for a return to the airport.

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