3 fatalities

1976-12-28: Britten-Norman Islander (5T-MAR) — Mauritanian Air Force - Force Aérienne Islamique de Mauritanie — Bir Moghreïn, Mauritania

Bir Moghreïn, MauritaniaFlight

On December 28, 1976, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration 5T-MAR) operated by Mauritanian Air Force - Force Aérienne Islamique de Mauritanie was involved in an aviation accident near Bir Moghreïn, Mauritania in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by rebels of the Front Polisario. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781228525Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine survey aircraft was shot down by Front Polisario rebels north of Bir Moghreïn, Mauritania, killing all three crew members. The wreckage was located 72 km from the town.

Incident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft conducting a survey mission was shot down by rebels of the Front Polisario. The wreckage was found approximately 72 kilometers north of Bir Moghreïn, in northern Mauritania, at coordinates 25°52'13.5" N 11°27'25.5" W. The aircraft was destroyed in the incident.

Casualties

All three crew members on board were killed. The deceased were identified as:

  • Lieutenant Sidi Mohamed Ould Heyine (pilot)
  • Sergeant Ely Ould Nafaa (navigator)
  • Sergeant Mohamed Elhafedh Ould Zegrar Ould Khyar (mechanic)

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident, as stated in the official investigation, was that the aircraft was shot down by rebels of the Front Polisario.