Mauritanian survey aircraft shot down near Bir Moghreïn

3 fatalities • Bir Moghreïn, Mauritania • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft conducting a survey mission was destroyed after being struck by rebel fire in northern Mauritania, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members.

What happened

During a scheduled survey operation, a twin-engine aircraft was targeted and shot down by members of the Front Polisario rebel group. The incident occurred in the airspace of northern Mauritania. Following the attack, the wreckage of the plane was located approximately 72 km north of Bir Moghreïn at coordinates 25°52'13.5" N 11°27'25.5" W.

The impact of the attack resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were three fatalities among the crew, consisting of the pilot, a navigator, and a mechanic. No survivors were reported from the flight.

Findings

Official reports indicate that the primary factor leading to the loss of the aircraft was the hostile fire directed at the plane by Front Polisario rebels during its survey mission.

Probable cause

The aircraft was downed by rebel gunfire from the Front Polisario group.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1976-12-28 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Bir Moghreïn, Mauritania?

A twin-engine aircraft conducting a survey mission was destroyed after being struck by rebel fire in northern Mauritania, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1976-12-28 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1976-12-28 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration 5T-MAR, operated by Mauritanian Air Force - Force Aérienne Islamique de Mauritanie, at Bir Moghreïn, Mauritania.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was downed by rebel gunfire from the Front Polisario group.

Loading the flight search…