A twin-propeller plane crashed on arrival, Mar. 4, killing up to 36 passengers in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to a government report. At the time of the plane's landing, the pilot faced inclement weather.
The small plane can carry up to 50 passengers but was not thought to have a full passenger load, according to a government spokesman.
The Fokker 50 model plane is operated by the domestic airline CAA, who reportedly declined to comment. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a poor air safety record, numerous crashes in Goma and a runway in disrepair.
Government spokesman, Lambert Mende said, "The plane fell into empty space, and because of the rain, no one was around. It was really lucky." Goma's mayor, Naasson Kubuya, said: "The pilot managed to avoid houses. It's a horrifying accident."
An eyewitness from the scene reported seeing four bodies being removed from the wreckage of the plane, which was lying in several pieces.
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