Air Kasai Antonov An-26 overruns runway at Kongolo Airfield, DR Congo
On January 21, 2025, an Antonov An-26 cargo aircraft operated by Air Kasai (registration 9S-AYN) was involved in a runway overrun incident at Kongolo Airfield (FZRQ) in Tanganyika Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The aircraft, which had departed from Goma carrying a cargo of cigarettes, failed to stop within the runway limits upon landing, ultimately coming to rest on soft ground.
According to Jean-Paul Ngongo Mboka Miba, the administrator of Kongolo Territory, the plane deviated from the normal landing path, resulting in significant damage to engine #2 after the right propeller became jammed. The impact caused a fire to break out in the damaged engine, but the cargo remained intact and no injuries were reported.
Local residents quickly responded to the situation, helping to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage to the aircraft. Their swift action ensured the safety of the crew and minimized the extent of the incident.
Preliminary reports suggest that the incident may have been caused by a landing mishap, but investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the overrun. The right maingear collapsed during the incident, adding to the damage sustained by the aircraft. Air Kasai has yet to issue an official statement regarding the accident.
Fortunately, there were no casualties among the crew or on the ground, making this a rare accident with a positive outcome in terms of human safety. The damaged aircraft remains at the site, pending further investigation and recovery efforts.
For African travel agents and aviation professionals, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by air operators in maintaining safety and operational standards in remote regional airports. Runway overruns, especially at smaller airfields, emphasize the importance of proper infrastructure, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance to ensure passenger and cargo safety.
As investigations continue, this incident puts a spotlight on the importance of emergency response readiness in rural areas. The quick action of local residents in Kongolo serves as a reminder of the critical role communities can play in mitigating the effects of aviation accidents.
While no lives were lost in this accident, it underscores the need for strengthened aviation safety measures in the region. Travel professionals operating in or near the Democratic Republic of the Congo should remain informed about aviation developments to better serve their clients and ensure confidence in local air transport options.
