What happened
During a flight destined for Tahoua, the crew encountered significant mechanical issues involving the left engine. The engine began to overspeed, creating a situation where the aircraft could no longer sustain its required altitude.
In response to the deteriorating flight conditions, the crew initiated an emergency descent and attempted to land the aircraft in a nearby prairie. The landing resulted in a belly landing, during which the plane slid several meters across the terrain before coming to a complete stop.
Despite the impact of the landing, all 21 occupants were successfully evacuated from the wreckage without injury. However, the aircraft sustained damage so extensive that it was declared a total loss.
Findings
Investigations into the incident identified technical malfunctions within the left engine as the primary factor leading to the emergency.