Overview
• Operator: Air Kasai
• Aircraft Model: Antonov AN-26B
• Registration: 9S-AYN
• Flight Number: Not specified
• Route: Goma (GOM) to Kongolo (KOO), DR Congo
• Date: 21 January 2025
• Occupants: 5 crew members
• Casualties: None reported
• Nature of Incident: Runway excursion following right-hand engine failure and landing gear collapse
Accident Summary
An Air Kasai Antonov AN-26B, registered 9S-AYN, was performing a cargo flight from Goma to Kongolo when it suffered a right-hand engine failure upon landing, leading to a runway excursion.
As the aircraft veered off the runway, the right-hand main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to roll onto its right side. The impact resulted in the right-hand AI-24VT engine catching fire.
The five crew members on board were unharmed, and emergency services responded to the scene.
On February 25, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s BPEA (Bureau Permanent d’Enquêtes d’Accidents) released a statement confirming that:
• The right-hand engine failed upon touchdown, leading to loss of directional control.
• The aircraft veered off the runway, where the right-hand main gear collapsed.
• The aircraft rolled to the right, further damaging the right-hand engine, which subsequently caught fire.
• The BPEA has launched an investigation into the cause of the engine failure and subsequent landing gear collapse.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• The aircraft was approaching Kongolo Airstrip under normal conditions.
• No known technical issues were reported before landing.
Landing & Runway Excursion:
• Upon touchdown, the right-hand AI-24VT engine failed, affecting the aircraft’s ability to maintain directional control.
• The aircraft veered off the runway onto soft ground.
• The right-hand main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to roll onto its right side.
• The right-hand engine caught fire, but emergency services were able to respond.
Post-incident Response:
• The five crew members evacuated safely without injury.
• The aircraft sustained significant structural damage, particularly to the right-hand wing, landing gear, and engine assembly.
• The BPEA opened an investigation into the cause of the engine failure and the structural integrity of the landing gear.
Investigation & Initial Findings
• The primary cause of the incident appears to be the failure of the right-hand engine upon landing.
• This failure compromised directional control, contributing to the runway excursion.
• The collapse of the right-hand main landing gear suggests either pre-existing structural weakness or damage from the engine failure impact.
• The fire in the right-hand engine could have been triggered by fuel system damage during the excursion.
Further investigation will focus on:
1. The cause of the right-hand engine failure.
2. The structural condition of the landing gear prior to landing.
3. Whether maintenance records indicate prior issues with the engine or landing gear.
4. Weather and runway conditions at Kongolo Airstrip at the time of the accident.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
• Operators of Antonov AN-26 aircraft should conduct thorough inspections of the AI-24VT engines, particularly for signs of wear, oil leaks, or mechanical fatigue.
• Landing gear structural integrity should be closely monitored during routine maintenance to identify potential weaknesses.
• Runway excursions due to engine failure highlight the need for improved crew training on emergency handling procedures in case of asymmetric thrust during landing.
• Airport emergency response teams should review protocols for rapid fire containment in cases of post-landing engine fires.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 25 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
