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14 fatalities

Fatal aircraft crash during takeoff in sandstorm

Adar Yeil, South SudanTakeoff (climb)

On April 4, 2001, an Antonov AN-24 operated by Sudanese Air Force - Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya As-Sudaniya was involved in an aviation accident near Adar Yeil, South Sudan during takeoff. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost control during its initial climb while operating in a sandstorm. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed near the end of the runway during its initial climb, resulting in 14 fatalities and 16 survivors.

What happened

During the takeoff phase of flight, an aircraft experienced a loss of control shortly after departing the runway. The incident occurred while the plane was climbing through a heavy sandstorm. The aircraft subsequently crashed in the vicinity of the runway's end.

There were 30 people on board during the accident. The crash resulted in 14 fatalities and 16 individuals were successfully rescued from the wreckage. Among the deceased were 13 high-ranking Army officers and the vice-minister of Defence, Ibrahim Shamsul-Din.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating in severe sandstorm conditions during its climb.
  • The crew lost control of the aircraft immediately following liftoff.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost control during its initial climb while operating in a sandstorm.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Apr 2001 Antonov AN-24 accident near Adar Yeil, South Sudan?

An aircraft crashed near the end of the runway during its initial climb, resulting in 14 fatalities and 16 survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Apr 2001 Antonov AN-24 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Apr 2001 involved an Antonov AN-24, operated by Sudanese Air Force - Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya As-Sudaniya, at Adar Yeil, South Sudan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost control during its initial climb while operating in a sandstorm.

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