On December 23, 2021, a Short 360 (registration 9S-GPS) operated by Malu Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Shabunda, Democratic Republic of Congo during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft crashed during its approach due to the encounter with unfavorable weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A cargo flight operating from Goma crashed approximately 15 km from Shabunda Airport during its approach, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board.
What happened
A cargo mission traveling from Goma to Shabunda ended in a fatal accident during the final stages of the flight. The aircraft, which was transporting two conveyors as cargo, was performing an approach to Shabunda Airport when the incident occurred.
During the descent, the crew encountered adverse weather conditions. The aircraft subsequently crashed roughly 15 km away from the destination airport. There were three crew members on board at the time of the impact. The accident resulted in five fatalities, as all occupants of the aircraft were killed.
Findings
The flight was operating in poor weather conditions during the approach phase.
The aircraft was engaged in a cargo transport operation involving heavy equipment.
Probable cause
The aircraft crashed during its approach due to the encounter with unfavorable weather conditions.