FlightFinder
Check my flight
19 fatalities

Fatal Mountain Strike on Maroantsetra–Andalaha Leg (5R-MGB)

Maroantsetra, MadagascarFlight

On July 24, 1981, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration 5R-MGB) operated by Air Madagascar was involved in an aviation accident near Maroantsetra, Madagascar in flight. 19 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft struck a mountain slope northeast of Maroantsetra during cruise in marginal weather, killing all 19 occupants. The official probable cause was controlled flight into terrain.

Incident Overview On the flight segment from Maroantsetra to Andalaha, a twin-engine aircraft collided with the slope of a mountain located northeast of Maroantsetra. The accident occurred while the aircraft was at cruising altitude in marginal weather conditions. ## Outcome and Recovery The wreckage was located several hours after the impact. All 19 people on board were killed. ## Official Findings The investigation identified the probable cause as controlled flight into terrain. No aircraft type, registration, operator, or specific date is provided in the source material, and no additional details are available.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

More accident analyses

PKBWL Investigating Serious Incident Involving AT-3R100

The Polish aviation safety authority is investigating a serious incident involving an AT-3R100 aircraft that occurred on September 2, 2024. The investigation…

AERO AT-3 R-100Aeroklub Warszawski2024-09-02PKBWL Poland