On July 21, 1978, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration 5T-MAT) operated by Mauritanian Air Force - Force Aérienne Islamique de Mauritanie was involved in an aviation accident near Laâyoune, Western Sahara in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was likely struck by ground fire during a military operation. 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.
An unidentified aircraft crashed in the Western Sahara region, possibly near Laayoune, during a military operation.
What happened
During an active military engagement against Polisario Front rebels, an unidentified aircraft went down in the Western Sahara territory. The incident occurred within a zone potentially encompassing the area surrounding Laayoune. While the exact sequence of events remains unconfirmed, the aircraft was reportedly involved in combat operations at the time of the crash.
Findings
Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft may have been brought down by ground-based fire. Despite the loss of the airframe, there were no casualties reported in relation to this specific incident.
Probable cause
The aircraft was likely struck by ground fire during a military operation.
What happened in the 21 Jul 1978 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Laâyoune, Western Sahara?
An unidentified aircraft crashed in the Western Sahara region, possibly near Laayoune, during a military operation.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jul 1978 Britten-Norman Islander accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Jul 1978 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration 5T-MAT, operated by Mauritanian Air Force - Force Aérienne Islamique de Mauritanie, at Laâyoune, Western Sahara.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft was likely struck by ground fire during a military operation.
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