A small plane flying by the regular schedule from the capital of Kinshasa to an airport in Bandundu crashed into a house, killing 20 people on board including a British co-pilot Chris Wilson alongside Belgian pilot Danny Philemotte, who was owner of the plane's operator Filair.The story told by the only survivor shocked investigators. It appeared that the crash was caused by the hidden crocodile escaping and causing a panic in the cabin that eventually threw the aircraft off-balance. Ironically the crocodile also survived but was killed by a rescuers.
The plane smashed into an empty house just in a short distance from its destination.
"According to the report and the testimony of the only survivor, the crash happened because of a panic sparked by the escape of a crocodile hidden in a sports bag,” news organisation Jeune Afrique reported.
One of the passengers had hidden the animal, which he most likely planned to sell, in a big sports bag, from which the reptile escaped as the plane began its descent into Bandundu.
Smuggling crocodiles is not a rarity. In a 2007 article in Vanity Fair titled "Congo From the Cockpit," author William Langeweische describes how crocodiles are often brought on board for transport to local markets because their tails are considered a delicacy.
The plane was a Czech-made Let L-410 Turbolet, one of more than 1,100 produced as short-range transport aircraft and used mainly for passenger services.
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