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Mauritanian Prime Minister Killed in Aircraft Crash Off Dakar (5T-MAX)

Dakar-Yoff, SenegalTakeoff (climb)

On May 27, 1979, a De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo (registration 5T-MAX) operated by Mauritanian Air Force - Force Aérienne Islamique de Mauritanie was involved in an aviation accident near Dakar-Yoff, Senegal during takeoff. 12 people were killed. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff from Dakar-Yoff Airport, killing all 12 occupants, including Mauritania's Prime Minister Ahmed Ould Bousseif.

Incident Overview A twin-engine aircraft lost control during its initial climb after departing from Dakar-Yoff Airport. The aircraft subsequently crashed into the sea a few kilometers offshore. All 12 people on board were killed in the accident. Notable among the fatalities was Ahmed Ould Bousseif, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The pilot of the aircraft was Captain N'Diaye N'Diak, who served as the Chief of the Atar Airbase. The source does not specify the exact aircraft type, registration, date, or operator, nor does it provide a definitive cause for the loss of control.

Loss of control in flight

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Same operator

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