Pepa - Kigali

On April 19, 2000 at 12:00 AM, Pepa - Kigali experienced a crash involving Antonov AN-8, operated by Centrafricain Airlines, with the event recorded near Pepa Katanga.

The flight was categorized as charter/taxi (non scheduled revenue flight) and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

24 people were known to be on board, 24 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.

Crew on board: 4, crew fatalities: 4, passengers on board: 20, passenger fatalities: 20, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is other causes. Shortly after takeoff from Pepa Airport, while in initial climb, the aircraft collided with a flock of birds that struck both engines. The aircraft lost height and crashed past the runway end, bursting into flames. All 24 occupants were killed, among them several officers from the Rwanda Army, one major, two captains, two lieutenants and some soldiers who were returning to Kigali after taking part to a presidential ceremony.

Aircraft reference details include registration TL-ACM, MSN 9340706, year of manufacture 1959.