Kenge aviation accident investigation

A Let 410 aircraft operated by TRACEP Congo crashed in the Manzaw neighborhood of Kenge, Kwango province, while traveling from Kikwit to Kinshasa. The accident resulted in 17 fatalities, including 13 military personnel and four civilians. Notable victims included FARDC Lieutenant Generals Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, President of the High Military Court, and Lucien René Likulia Bakumi, Auditor General of the DRC Armed Forces.

Initial reports indicated the aircraft experienced technical difficulties and attempted an emergency landing. Following the crash, the Minister of Transport ordered the immediate withdrawal of TRACEP Congo’s air carrier certificate, noting the company had been involved in another accident weeks prior. Vice-Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo requested technical reports regarding the aircraft’s airworthiness.

As investigations progressed, efforts focused on recovering flight recorders, though recovery was complicated by a post-impact fire. In the aftermath, Tite Mund Ngaand, President of the Kwango Provincial Assembly, called for increased government investment in provincial infrastructure, citing deficiencies in healthcare, electricity, and transportation that affect emergency response capabilities.