20110323
presstv
At least 23 people have been killed after a Russian-built Antonov 32 cargo plane crashed in the principal port and commercial capital of the Republic of Congo.

The plane went down Monday in Pointe-Noire port city, located 502 kilometers (312 miles) from the capital Brazzaville, as it was preparing to land at the airport in the coastal city, a Press TV correspondent reported on Tuesday.

The aircraft, however, veered out towards the sea and slammed into a nearby residential area. The plane completely burnt out in the accident and only a part of its tail remained intact.

About 20 homes were destroyed as a result of the crash. “The plane just fell on houses and as many as twenty homes were destroyed,” said an eyewitness.

Initial reports suggested that the plane was carrying about 750 kilograms of beef. The cargo plane was carrying four Russian crew members, two pilots and two mechanics onboard.

Antonov aircraft, which remain in service of many African airliners, are no longer allowed to carry passengers in Congo after several crashes.

Plane crashes remain a common occurrence in the Congo due to its foggy weather and the use of old and poorly maintained aircraft.

In June 2010, Australian mining tycoon Ken Talbot and 10 of his colleagues were killed in a plane accident in the northwest of the country.

Six crew members were also killed in August 2009, when an Antonov cargo plane crashed at a cemetery on the outskirts of Brazzaville.