Kenge plane crash kills top DRC military justice officials

plane crash Democratic Republic of the Congo military justice Let L-410 Kenge

A Let L-410 turboprop aircraft, operated by Tracep Congo Aviation, crashed in the Manzawu neighborhood of Kenge, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Friday, September 25, 2026. The aircraft was traveling from Kikwit to Kinshasa when it reportedly experienced technical difficulties. Due to the lack of a suitable airstrip in Kenge, the pilot attempted several landing maneuvers before the plane crashed into a residential area and burst into flames.

The crash resulted in a heavy loss of life among the military leadership. Among the victims are Lieutenant-General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, the first president of the Military High Court, and Lieutenant-General Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi, the Auditor General of the Armed Forces (FARDC). While initial reports estimated 13 deaths, provincial authorities later updated the toll to 17 people.

Survivors were not reported among the passengers. Witnesses noted that twelve victims were found burned within the wreckage, while the pilot's body was recovered separately outside the aircraft. The Congolese Office for Investigation of Aviation Accidents and Incidents (BPEA) has launched an investigation and is working to recover the flight recorders. President Félix Tshisekedi has expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased.

Entities

Democratic Republic of the Congo · FARDC · Félix Tshisekedi · Joseph Mutombo Katalay Tiende · Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende · Kenge · Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi · Tracep Congo Aviation

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The aircraft attempted to land in Kenge, which lacks a suitable airstrip. congorassure.cd · foxtime.cd · actualidad.rt.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The aircraft crashed into a residential area in the Manzawu neighborhood of Kenge. foxtime.cd · actualidad.rt.com · almanartv.com.lb
[○ 1 SOURCE] President Félix Tshisekedi paid tribute to the victims and offered condolences to their families. actualite.cd
[● 3 SOURCES] The aircraft was traveling from Kikwit to Kinshasa when it crashed. congorassure.cd · actualidad.rt.com · actualite.cd
[● 3 SOURCES] The crashed aircraft was a Let L-410 turboprop. congorassure.cd · actualidad.rt.com · tanzaniatimes.net
[● 5 SOURCES] Lieutenant-General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende and Lieutenant-General Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi were among the victims. congorassure.cd · foxtime.cd · actualidad.rt.com · actualite.cd · lanouvelletribune.info
[● 5 SOURCES] Twelve victims were found burned, while the pilot's body was recovered separately. congorassure.cd · foxtime.cd · actualidad.rt.com · afrikactus.com · almanartv.com.lb
[○ 1 SOURCE] The death toll from the crash was initially reported as 13 and later updated to 17. lanouvelletribune.info
[○ 1 SOURCE] The aircraft suffered a technical failure during the flight. almanartv.com.lb
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Bureau permanent d’enquêtes sur les accidents et incidents d’aviation (BPEA) has launched an investigation into the crash. almanartv.com.lb
[● 4 SOURCES] The pilot attempted to land in Kenge, which lacks a suitable airstrip. almanartv.com.lb · congorassure.cd · foxtime.cd · actualidad.rt.com
[● 3 SOURCES] No residents in the compound struck by the aircraft were injured. almanartv.com.lb · foxtime.cd · tanzaniatimes.net