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5 fatalities

Single-Engine Airplane Crashes After Bird Strike, Five Killed (9S-GFS)

Kamako, Democratic Republic of CongoTakeoff (climb)

On July 27, 2018, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration 9S-GFS) operated by Air Kasai was involved in an aviation accident near Kamako, Democratic Republic of Congo during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the engine lost power following a collision with a flock of birds, but the extent of damages could not be determined. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane on a flight from Kamako Airport with intermediate stops crashed in a marshy field after engine power loss. The captain and one passenger survived; five other occupants were killed.

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.

Probable cause

It is believed that the engine lost power following a collision with a flock of birds, but the extent of damages could not be determined.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

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

A single-engine airplane on a flight from Kamako Airport with intermediate stops crashed in a marshy field after engine power loss. The captain and one passenger survived; five other occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jul 2018 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 27 Jul 2018 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?

It is believed that the engine lost power following a collision with a flock of birds, but the extent of damages could not be determined.

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