A FlyCAA Airbus A321-200 passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft was involved in what authorities have described as a “safety event” during its landing at Kindu Airport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 24, 2026.
The aircraft, registered 9S-AJM, was operating Flight BU-282 from Kisangani to Kindu when it encountered difficulties while attempting to land on Runway 18.
According to ADS-B flight tracking data, the aircraft’s approach appeared significantly offset from the runway centerline. During its first landing attempt, the crew descended to approximately 2,200 feet above mean sea level while attempting to align with the runway before initiating a go-around.
After climbing to around 3,000 feet, the crew repositioned for a second approach to Runway 18. However, the aircraft once again remained noticeably displaced from the runway centerline during the descent. At approximately 1,900 feet MSL, the pilots executed a second go-around.
The crew then changed strategy and set up for an approach to the opposite direction, Runway 36. While the aircraft again appeared to approach from an offset position, the pilots successfully maneuvered onto the runway during the final moments of the approach.
The aircraft touched down with what appeared to be an unusually high nose-up pitch attitude. Video and eyewitness reports indicated that a noticeable cloud of dust erupted from the rear of the aircraft immediately upon touchdown, raising speculation that the tail may have briefly contacted the runway surface. Despite the dramatic landing, the aircraft remained under control, completed its rollout safely, and no injuries have been reported.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Bureau Permanent d’Enquêtes sur les Accidents et Incidents d’Aviation (BPEA) later confirmed that it had been informed of a safety event involving the FlyCAA Airbus A321-212PCF, registration 9S-AJM, during its landing at Kindu.
As of approximately six hours after landing, the aircraft remained on the ground at Kindu Airport, suggesting inspections or technical evaluations may be underway before it is cleared to return to service.
At this stage, the exact cause of the unstable approaches and the nature of the reported safety event remain under investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the aircraft sustained any damage during the landing.
The investigation is expected to examine the flight crew’s approach, aircraft performance, airport conditions, and any other contributing factors that may have led to the multiple go-arounds and the hard, high-pitch touchdown.
