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51 fatalities

Engine Failure Leads to Stall and Crash Near Tombouctou Airport; 51 Killed (TZ-ACT)

Tombouctou, MaliTakeoff (climb)

On February 22, 1985, an Antonov AN-24 (registration TZ-ACT) operated by Air Mali was involved in an aviation accident near Tombouctou, Mali during takeoff. 51 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during initial climb for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered TZ-ACT
Aircraft registered TZ-ACT. Photo: Jörg Jäggin / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Two minutes after takeoff from Tombouctou Airport, an engine failed. The pilot initiated a return when the aircraft stalled and crashed, killing 51 and seriously injuring one.

Accident

Two minutes after departing from Tombouctou Airport, while climbing, one of the aircraft's engines failed. The pilot-in-command decided to return to the airport for an emergency landing and initiated a turn. During the turn, the aircraft stalled and subsequently crashed into a field located approximately 3 kilometers from the airport. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames.

Injuries and Casualties

According to the official report, a passenger was seriously injured, and 51 other occupants were killed in the crash.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an engine failure during initial climb for unknown reasons.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Feb 1985 Antonov AN-24 accident near Tombouctou, Mali?

Two minutes after takeoff from Tombouctou Airport, an engine failed. The pilot initiated a return when the aircraft stalled and crashed, killing 51 and seriously injuring one.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Feb 1985 Antonov AN-24 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 51 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Feb 1985 involved an Antonov AN-24, registration TZ-ACT, operated by Air Mali, at Tombouctou, Mali.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure during initial climb for unknown reasons.

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