What happened
A flight traveling from Khartoum to Talodi crashed while attempting to land at Talodi Airport. The aircraft was transporting a large delegation consisting of 26 members of the Sudanese Government, including various ministers, generals, and political figures. During the approach, the crew encountered severe weather conditions caused by a sandstorm. In response to these conditions, the crew began a go-around procedure. However, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Hagar al Nar, a peak measuring 244 metres, situated approximately 1,500 metres south of the airfield.
The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft. There were 32 fatalities among the occupants, which included all passengers and the crew. The passenger manifest included several high-ranking officials, including ministers from the departments of Guidance and Religious Endowments, Youth and Sports, and Tourism, Antiquities and Wildlife, alongside various military leaders from the Air Forces, Police, and Security and Intelligence services. The group also included media representatives and six crew members.
Findings
- The crash occurred during the approach and go-around phase of flight.
- Severe sandstorm conditions significantly reduced visibility and impacted the approach to the airport.