Goma – Kisangani

On April 15, 2008 at 02:30 PM, Goma – Kisangani experienced a crash involving Douglas DC-9, operated by Hewa Bora Airways, with the event recorded near Goma Nord-Kivu.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a city crash site.

94 people were known to be on board, 40 fatalities were recorded, 54 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 42.6%.

Crew on board: 8, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 86, passenger fatalities: 3, other fatalities: 37.

During the takeoff roll from runway 18 at Goma Airport, the crew started the rotation but the aircraft failed to respond. The aircraft continued, overran and crashed in the Birere District, about 100 metres past the runway end, bursting into flames. Three passengers were killed as well as 37 people on the ground. All other occupants were injured. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire.

Aircraft reference details include registration 9Q-CHN, MSN 47731/860, year of manufacture 1977.