Departure and Loss of Contact
The aircraft departed Aoulef Airfield at 0245LT, bound for Bidon V. During the following 15 to 30 minutes, the crew maintained only a few radio contacts with ground stations. By approximately 0300LT, all communication had ceased.
Search and Discovery of Wreckage
Search and rescue (SAR) operations commenced promptly. The wreckage was located around 1815LT, about 30 hours after the loss of contact, by the crew of a GLAM Douglas DC-4. The debris field extended over more than 2 kilometers, situated approximately 50 kilometers west of the trail leading from Reggan to Bidon V, and about 106 kilometers southwest of Aoulef.
Occupants and Casualties
All 26 occupants on board were killed in the accident. Most of the passengers were locals from Bamako who had been studying in France and were returning home for vacations.
Observations and Findings
Examination of the wreckage indicated that an explosion occurred in the left wing during flight, most likely in the fuel tank. This explosion caused the left wing to detach from the aircraft. Under such conditions, the aircraft became uncontrollable. The exact cause of the detonation remains unknown.
The crew consisted of Captain Le Monigou 3 and two other crew members.