Let L-410 Turbolet catches fire after departure in DR Congo

let_l_410_flight_deck.jpg
Lentokonefani / Wikimedia Commons

A Let L-410 Turbolet, a twin-engine short-range aircraft, caught fire shortly after departure from Kavumu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

The incident occurred on February 14, 2022, when a small plane, registered 9S-GFA, was preparing to perform a regional flight between Kavumu and Lulingu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with two crew members on board.  

According to Aviation-safety.net, the freighter was supposed to fly 1,600 kilograms (3,527 lbs.) of cargo from Kavumu Airport (BKY) to Lulingu Tshionka Airport (FZOG). However, a fire developed on board the aircraft after take-off. The flight crew barely managed to return to BKY airport, where both crew members immediately evacuated the burning aircraft. 

Unfortunately, the fire erupted so quickly that rescue services were unable to extinguish the flames and the plane burned out completely. 

While some sources report that the Let L-410 Turbolet belongs to Agefreco, an air carrier that used to operate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 1988 and 2007, another source suggests that the plane belonged to cargo carrier Doren Air Congo. 

A witness captured the event and posted the footage to YouTube.  

AeroTime is on YouTube

Subscribe to the AeroTime Hub channel for exclusive video content.

Subscribe to AeroTime Hub