What happened
Prior to departure from Nouakchott, the pilot determined that existing fuel reserves were adequate for the flight to Bamako, subsequently declining the arrival of two refueling trucks at the aircraft. During the approach to Bamako, the right engine ceased operation because of fuel exhaustion. Approximately five minutes after the initial failure, the left engine also failed.
In response to the loss of power, the crew attempted to divert to a small airstrip in Kolokani, situated roughly 19 km from Bamako. However, the loss of both engines necessitated an emergency landing outside of the airfield. During the impact, the aircraft's undercarriage collapsed and the right wing was severed from the fuselage. The aircraft was destroyed in the process.
Findings
- The primary cause of the dual engine failure was the exhaustion of fuel during the flight.
- There were zero fatalities and zero injuries among the nine occupants on board.
- The flight was being conducted as part of a military mission for the 524th Special Operations Squadron, supporting the USAF and Africom.