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Crash of a Harbin Yunsunji Y-12-II in Nouakchott: 7 killed

Date & Time: Jul 12, 2012 at 0745 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5T-MAE
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Nouakchott - Tasiast
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft was engaged in a special flight to the Tasiast Airstrip deserving the Gold Mine of Tasiast on behalf of the Kinross Gold Corporation. Shortly after take off from Nouakchott, while in initial climb, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a desert area located past the runway end, bursting into flames. All seven occupants were killed and aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. Both pilots were Mauritanian Customs Officers while among the passengers were three Security Officers of the Kinross Gold Corporation who were in charge to transfer a load of gold back to Nouakchott.

Crash of a Xian Yunsunji Y-7H-500 in Néma: 39 killed

Date & Time: May 12, 1998 at 1930 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5T-MAG
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Néma - Nouakchott
MSN:
00 7H 03
YOM:
1996
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
35
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
39
Circumstances:
The aircraft was returning to Nouakchott with 35 passengers and seven crew members who accompanied the President of the Republic of Mauritania on an official visit of the Hodh Ech Chargui Region. All passengers were members of the Mauritanian Army fanfare. Shortly after a night takeoff, while in initial climb, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a huge explosion near the runway end. Three passengers were seriously injured while 39 other occupants were killed. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire.
Probable cause:
Loss of control during initial climb after one of the engine failed for unknown reasons.

Crash of a Xian Yunsunji Y-7H-100 off Nouadhibou: 8 killed

Date & Time: Apr 5, 1996
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5T-MAF
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Nouadhibou - Nouakchott
MSN:
00 7H 01
YOM:
1996
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
8
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Nouadhibou Airport, while climbing, the aircraft stalled and crashed in the sea, killing all eight occupants.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the loss of control was the consequence of an engine failure.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-5D Buffalo off Dakar: 12 killed

Date & Time: May 27, 1979 at 1010 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5T-MAX
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Dakar - Nouakchott
MSN:
88
YOM:
1978
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
12
Circumstances:
Shortly after take off from Dakar-Yoff Airport, while climbing, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea few km offshore. All 12 occupants were killed, among them Ahmed Ould Bousseif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The pilot was captain N'Diaye N'Diak, Chief of the Atar Airbase.

Crash of a Britten-Norman BN-2A-21 Islander in Mauritania

Date & Time: Jul 21, 1978
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5T-MAT
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
MSN:
765
YOM:
1976
Region:
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Crashed in unknown circumstances in Western Sahara, mayb in the region of Laayoune, while taking part to a military operation against Polisario Front rebels. It is believed the aircraft was shot down by ground fire and crashed. There were no casualties.

Crash of a Britten-Norman BN-2A-21 Defender near Bir Moghreïn: 3 killed

Date & Time: Dec 28, 1976
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5T-MAR
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
MSN:
787
YOM:
1976
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
The crew was performing a survey flight when the twin engine airplane was shot down by rebels of the Front Polisario. The wreckage was found 72 km north of Bir Moghreïn, north Mauritania (exact position 25°52'13.5" N 11°27'25.5" W). The aircraft was destroyed and all three crew members were killed.
Crew:
Lt Sidi Mohamed Ould Heyine, pilot,
Sgt Ely Ould Nafaa, navigator,
Sgt Mohamed Elhafedh Ould Zegrar Ould Khyar, mechanic.
Source: Mohamed Ould Heyine, Mauritania.
First photo: Defender at Atar Airport few weeks prior to the accident.
Probable cause:
Shot down by rebels of the Front Polisario.