No fatalities

2001-04-10: Antonov AN-12 (3C-AWU) — Air West - Equatorial Guinea — Nouadhibou, Mauritania

Nouadhibou, MauritaniaTakeoff (climb)

On April 10, 2001, an Antonov AN-12 (registration 3C-AWU) operated by Air West - Equatorial Guinea was involved in an aviation accident near Nouadhibou, Mauritania during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine fire during initial climb for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781202757Data APIEditorial standards

After engine fire during initial climb, aircraft crash lands on beach near Nouadhibou Airport; all six occupants escape uninjured, aircraft destroyed.

Incident

Shortly after departing from Nouadhibou Airport, while the aircraft was climbing, an engine fire was detected. The crew responded by reducing the aircraft's altitude in order to prepare for an emergency landing.

Emergency Landing

The flight crew directed the aircraft toward a beach located approximately 6 kilometers from the airport. The subsequent crash landing resulted in the aircraft coming to rest on the beach, after which it burst into flames. The fire rapidly consumed the aircraft.

Aftermath

All six occupants of the aircraft evacuated without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-crash fire. The official investigation into the accident found that the engine fire occurred during the initial climb, but the reason for the fire could not be determined.

Probable Cause

The probable cause, as stated in the official findings, was an engine fire during initial climb for unknown reasons.