Expert Calls For Full Examination Of Incident

Aviation law experts at Irwin Mitchell hope that a full investigation will provide prompt answers as to why a plane crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo led to the deaths of several people.

 The Grumman G-1159C Gulfstream IV operated by Katanga Express reportedly came down as it was attempting to land at Bukavu Airport in the east of the country earlier this month. Reports vary over the number of people killed in the crash, but it has been confirmed that one of dead was a senior government adviser.

It is believed that seven other passengers were also on board the flight and several of them were seriously injured.

Authorities are now in the process of investigating the incident, with some reports indicating that the licences of Air Katanga Express and Katanga Wings have been suspended following the crash.

Jim Morris, a former RAF pilot and partner in Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Aviation Law team, acts for both victims and the families of those killed in serious air accidents in the UK, Africa (including DRC) and elsewhere.
 
Commenting on this incident, he said: “There are clearly a number of questions which need to be answered in relation to this crash, particularly as to how and why the plane came down during its attempted landing.

 “Specific areas for consideration during investigations will include the weather conditions at the time of the incident, as well as whether any error on the part of those piloting the aircraft could have played a part.

 “Another issue which could have wide-reaching consequences would be a technical or mechanical failure, as any system-related issue could have implications for other Grumman aircraft in operation across the globe.

 “Ultimately, we hope that authorities are able to carefully and quickly consider the circumstances of the crash and provide information which will go some way to ensuring lessons can be learned. Flight safety needs to be the priority and anything which can be done to improve it is vital.

“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and the passengers injured in this tragic crash.”