Flight Home

Flight International online news 09:00GMT: The Democratic Republic of Congo has reportedly grounded dozens of small local carriers after another Antonov An-26 crashed in the country, this time killing at least 13 people.


Antonov AN-26

Local reports say the latest accident occurred on the evening of 9 September, when a Ukrainian-built An-26 operated by local carrier Air Kasai crashed 45km north of Brazzaville while on a flight to the capital Kinshasa.

Reports on the number of dead vary but most say 13 people were killed including all the members of the crew. There are no reports of survivors or details of what may have contributed to the crash.

This latest fatal crash comes after an An-26 operated by local carrier Kavatshi Airlines crashed in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 5 September, reportedly killing around 11 people.

Transport minister Eva Mwakasa has reportedly responded to the latest accidents by grounding dozens of the country’s airlines.

A report by the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo says the airlines will be required to prove they are abiding by local CAA regulations.

LEITHEN FRANCIS/SINGAPORE