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.
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.
