Lyra 15

On February 15, 1961 at 12:00 AM, Lyra 15 experienced a crash involving Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, operated by Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana, with the event recorded near Kananga Kasai-Occidental.

The flight was categorized as military and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

9 people were known to be on board, 3 fatalities were recorded, 6 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 33.3%.

Crew on board: 9, crew fatalities: 3, passengers on board: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. Just after liftoff, while in initial climb, the left engine failed. The aircraft stalled and crashed. Three crew members were killed and six others were injured, among them some Pakistan soldiers taking part to a UNO mission. Those killed were: Cpt Sergio Celli, pilot, Lt Dario Giorgi, pilot, Italo Quadri.

Aircraft reference details include registration MM52-6011, MSN 10869, year of manufacture 1952.