Created Wednesday, Jun 16th 2021 11:25Z, last updated Thursday, Jun 24th 2021 16:46Z
A Kin Avia Let L-410, registration 9S-GRJ performing a flight from Bukavu to Shabunda (DR Congo) with 1 passenger and 2 crew and 1.6 tons of sheet metal, crashed about 30 seconds after takeoff from Kavumu Aerodrome at about 11:15L (09:15Z). All 3 occupents perished in the crash, the aircraft has been destroyed.
In the evening DR Congo's Ministry of Transport released a statement reporting 9S-GRJ departed Bukavu with 3 occupants and 1.6 tons of cargo, about 3 minutes after takeoff at about 11:15L the aircraft began eviating from its initial trajectory and impacted ground. An investigation is being set up.
On Jun 17th 2021 the airline reported the aircraft 9S-GRJ (MSN 872006) was involved in the crash. The aircraft carried 1500kg of iron roof sheeting, the aircraft departed runway 17. Preliminary information suggests a load shift caused the aircraft to pitch up less than 30 seconds after takeoff and to enter a full aerodynamic stall. The aircraft reached a maximum height of about 300 feet, the left wing dropped, the aircraft turned left and came to rest in a valley just behind the UN Monusco installation of Bukavu Kavumu Airport.
On Jun 24th 2021 DR Congo's BPEA reported: "The plane failed to take off from Kavumu airfield." and confirmed 3 fatalities as result of the crash. The crash is being investigated.
The airline states on their website they operate 5 L-410 (tail numbers 9S-CMA (previous 9Q-CMA), 9S-GEN, 9S-GKA, 9S-GRJ, no further tails listed), a Dash 8-100 (tail number C-FASC) and a Beech 1900 (N191CS).
The wreckage:
Map (Graphics: AVH/Google Earth):
