Congo plane crashes on takeoff; at least 25 killed

KINSHASA, Congo - In a thunderous blast, a cargo plane slammed into an impoverished residential neighborhood in Congo's capital seconds after takeoff yesterday, leaving at least 25 dead in smoky wreckage of concrete blocks and twisted debris.

The crash underscored the dangers of flying in Congo, which has experienced more fatal air crashes than any other African country since 1945, according to the Aviation Safety Network. The turboprop belonged to the Congolese company Africa One, which has been barred from flying in the European Union because of safety concerns.

Citing police reports, U.N. peacekeeping spokesman Michel Bonnardeaux said 25 people were killed and two aboard the plane survived - a mechanic and a flight attendant who was in critical condition.

Police said that amid the wreckage, it was difficult to determine how many of the dead had been aboard the plane and how many were on the ground. Transport Minister Remy Kuseyo said at least three people on the ground died.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said three Russians were among the dead: the pilot, the copilot, and a flight engineer. Cargo planes in Congo are frequently flown by pilots from former Soviet states.

At least 22 people were injured, according to the Congolese Red Cross.

It was not immediately known what caused the Antonov 26 to go down. The Russian Foreign Ministry said one of the plane's propellers broke off during takeoff, and one of its wings was sheared off as it hit a bank of trees.

That account was echoed by several witnesses, who said the aircraft appeared to be missing a propeller before it crashed.

"The plane clipped several treetops and hit the roofs of three houses, crashing onto its back with its tires in the air," said Japhet Kiwa, who lives in the neighborhood of Kingasani, a few miles from Kinshasa's Ndili International Airport. "There was a huge explosion."

Civil aviation chief Alphonse Ilunga said the plane's flight manifest indicated 16 people were on board, but an unknown number of others boarded before takeoff - a common occurrence in Congo.

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on the plane crash via http://go.philly.com/congocrashEndText