Butembo

In unclear circumstances, the twin engine airplane crashed upon landing at Butembo Airfield and came to rest nearby the runway. At least two occupants were injured and evacuated to local hospital. The airplane was damaged beyond repair.

The twin engine airplane departed runway 17 at Goma International Airport on a schedule service to Butembo (first service of the day). After takeoff, while in initial climb, the crew contacted ATC and requested to return to land on runway 35. Shortly later, the airplane lost height and crashed onto several houses located in the district of Birere, south of the airport, bursting into flames. A passenger was seriously injured while 21 other occupants were killed as well as six people on the ground. The air traffic controller reported that he noticed the wings were rocking shortly after the aircraft became airborne.

Following an uneventful flight from Goma, the twin engine airplane landed on runway 14/32 which is 770 metres long. After touchdown, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran, lost its left main gear and came to rest down an embankment with its left wing damaged. All 18 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.