Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 19 April 2000
Aircraft Type: Antonov An-8
Owner/operator: Force Arienne Rwandaise
Registration Number: TL-ACM
Location: Pepa –
ÿ Congo (Democratic Republic)
Phase of Flight: Initial climb
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 24 / Occupants: 24
Component Affected: Antonov 8 aircraftAntonov 8 aircraft
Category: Accident
A catastrophic aviation incident occurred in Rwanda, resulting in the deaths of 57 individuals, including major, captains, lieutenants, and soldiers. The incident occurred when an Antonov 8 aircraft crashed on takeoff from Pepa, while the crew was returning from home leave and preparing for a presidential swearing-in ceremony. A birdstrike is suspected as the primary cause.A catastrophic aviation incident occurred in Rwanda, resulting in the deaths of 57 individuals, including major, captains, lieutenants, and soldiers. The incident occurred when an Antonov 8 aircraft crashed on takeoff from Pepa, while the crew was returning from home leave and preparing for a presidential swearing-in ceremony. A birdstrike is suspected as the primary cause.
Description
A Rwanda army major, two captains, two lieutenants, and some soldiers were killed along with the 4 Russian crewmembers when their Antonov 8 crashed on takeoff from Pepa. The soldiers were returning on home leave, while others were planning to attend the president’s swearing-in ceremony. A birdstrike is suspected. Other sources report a death toll of around 57 and suggest the Antonov might have been imported into Rwanda illegally.
Primary Cause
Bird strikeBird strikeShare on:
