A plane crash in Kenge, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on September 27, has sparked a thorough investigation into its circumstances and causes. The accident involved a Let 410 aircraft, registered as 9S-GUC, operated by TRACEP Congo Aviation, which was flying from Kikwit to Kinshasa. The plane experienced technical difficulties and attempted an emergency landing in Kenge, but crashed in a vacant area, killing all 17 people on board.
The victims included 13 passengers and 4 crew members, with 2 high-ranking military officials, Lieutenant Generals Mutombo Katalayi Tiende Joseph and Likulia Bakumi Lucien René, among those killed. The Congolese presidency confirmed the deaths, and President Felix Tshisekedi instructed competent authorities to conduct an in-depth investigation into the accident. The authorities are working to establish the exact circumstances and causes of the crash.
In response to the accident, Vice Prime Minister of Transport, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, wrote to the directors general of the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC/RDC) and the Régie des Voies Aériennes (RVA SA) on September 25, requesting information on the technical condition of the aircraft and the circumstances of the accident. The minister demanded that the AAC and RVA provide the state of the aircraft's technical inspection and the details of the accident.
The crash has led to the suspension of TRACEP Congo Aviation's air transport certificate, effective immediately, as ordered by Vice Prime Minister Bemba. This decision came before the publication of the investigation report by the Permanent Bureau of Accident and Incident Investigations (BPEA). The company had experienced two crashes within two months, prompting concerns about its safety record.
The condition of Kenge's aerodrome has also raised questions, with reports suggesting that it was decommissioned in 2023 and partially built over with streets and houses. Satellite images shared by AeroInside indicate that the aerodrome is no longer functional. The authorities are expected to clarify the state of the infrastructure in their investigation.
According to the vice governor of Kwango, Rémy Saki, the aircraft experienced technical difficulties between Kikwit and Kinshasa, prompting the crew to attempt an emergency landing in Kenge. The plane circled several times before crashing in the Manzaw neighborhood, near the old aerodrome. Fortunately, no casualties were reported on the ground.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the Congolese authorities working to determine the causes and circumstances of the accident. The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the authorities' response is being closely watched.
Key points
- The plane crash in Kenge has resulted in 17 fatalities, including two high-ranking military officials.
- The Congolese authorities have suspended TRACEP Congo Aviation's air transport certificate following the crash.
- The condition of Kenge's aerodrome is being investigated as a potential factor in the accident.
