1971-01-21: Beechcraft 70 Queen Air (7T-VSI) — Air Algérie — Arris, Algeria

8 fatalitiesArris, AlgeriaFlight

A twin-engine aircraft operated by Air Algérie crashed into a mountainside during descent, resulting in the deaths of all eight people on board.

What happened

During a chartered flight operated by Air Algeria, a twin engine aircraft was transporting six engineers—four from France and two from Algeria—to Biskra. The mission was organized for an oil company to move personnel between locations.

As the flight progressed through an area characterized by restricted visibility, the crew initiated their descent toward the destination. During this phase of the flight, the aircraft collided with a mountain slope within the Aurès Mountain Range. The impact occurred near Arris, situated approximately 80 km northeast of Biskra Airport.

The crash resulted in eight fatalities, including all passengers and the two French pilots operating the aircraft. No survivors were reported from the wreckage.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the accident was the result of controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope during descent while flying in limited visibility.