No fatalities

Engine Failure Forces Emergency Landing Near Dakar-Yoff Airport (44-90485)

Dakar, SenegalFlight

On January 22, 1945, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration 44-90485) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Dakar, Senegal in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-25Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Dakar-Yoff Airport due to an engine failure, resulting in significant damage and injuries to the pilot.

What happened

Shortly after departing Dakar-Yoff Airport, the aircraft experienced a total loss of power. The pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing procedure. The aircraft impacted the ground approximately ten miles northeast of the departure point. Upon impact, the airframe sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair. The pilot survived the crash but sustained injuries.

Findings

The official investigation determined that the primary cause of the accident was engine failure. No other contributing factors or mechanical irregularities were cited in the available findings.

Probable cause

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jan 1945 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Dakar, Senegal?

A single-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Dakar-Yoff Airport due to an engine failure, resulting in significant damage and injuries to the pilot.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Jan 1945 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jan 1945 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration 44-90485, operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947), at Dakar, Senegal.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure