3 fatalities

Algerian Foreign Minister and Chief of Staff Injured in Bamako Airport Crash (7T-VRE)

Bamako, MaliLanding (descent or approach)

On May 31, 1981, a Dassault Falcon 20 (registration 7T-VRE) operated by Government of Algeria was involved in an aviation accident near Bamako, Mali during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

Two passengers and one crew member were injured, and three crew members were killed when an aircraft crashed short of the runway at Bamako International Airport during stormy weather.

Incident

On final approach to Bamako International Airport, the crew encountered stormy weather with severe turbulence. The aircraft went out of control and crashed approximately 8 kilometers short of the runway.

Casualties and Occupants

Two passengers and one crew member were injured in the accident. Three other crew members were killed. The injured passengers were identified as Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Seddick Benyahia and his chief of staff.

Flight Details

The flight was en route to Freetown, where the minister was scheduled to participate in a conference about the war in the Western Sahara.