A small passenger plane carrying a delegation of military justice officials crashed in the southwestern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, September 25, 2026, killing all 17 people on board.
The Crash Site and Flight Details in Kwango Province
The Let 410 UVP aircraft operated by Tracep Congo Aviation went down at approximately 13:00 GMT near Kenge in the Kwango Province. The location sits more than 200 kilometers east of the capital city, Kinshasa.
President Felix Tshisekedi has ordered a formal investigation into the tragedy. However, the local Civil Aviation Board stated that the primary factor behind the crash remains undetermined.
Senior Military Officials Identified Among the 17 Victims
The manifest included two prominent lieutenant generals in the Congolese armed forces. The Ministry of Transport confirmed the deaths of Joseph Mutombo, head of the high military court, and Lucien-Rene Likulia, auditor general of the armed forces.
Auditor General Likulia was appointed directly by President Tshisekedi. In September 2025, Likulia served as the prosecutor who pursued the trial against former President Joseph Kabila. That proceeding took place in absentia and concluded with a death sentence for Kabila on charges of treason and war crimes.
Did you know? Air transport remains a vital lifeline across the vast expanse of the Democratic Republic of Congo due to severely degraded road infrastructure, though domestic aviation frequently operates under high risk due to aging navigation equipment and poor airport facilities.
Aviation Safety Risks Amid Regional Security Pressures
The fatal accident occurs while the Congolese military remains heavily concentrated on countering security upheavals across the eastern part of the country. Government troops continue active combat operations against M23 rebel militias backed by Rwanda, following strategic territorial gains by the insurgent groups.
While the ministry verified that the flight was carrying 12 other delegation members alongside the two generals and four crew members, civil aviation authorities have not yet released definitive findings on the mechanical or environmental causes of the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What aircraft was involved in the Democratic Republic of Congo crash?
The aircraft was a Let 410 UVP light plane operated by Tracep Congo Aviation.
How many people died in the Kwango Province aviation incident?
A total of 17 people died, comprising 13 passengers and four crew members.
Who were the high-ranking officials killed in the crash?
The victims included Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo, head of the high military court, and Lieutenant General Lucien-Rene Likulia, the armed forces auditor general.
Has an investigation been launched into the accident?
Yes, President Felix Tshisekedi has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.
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