36 fatalities

1995-07-18: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (5R-MMG) — Malagasy Air Force - Armée de l'Air Malgache — Antananarivo-Ivato, Madagascar

Antananarivo-Ivato, MadagascarLanding (descent or approach)

On July 18, 1995, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 5R-MMG) operated by Malagasy Air Force - Armée de l'Air Malgache was involved in an aviation accident near Antananarivo-Ivato, Madagascar during landing or approach. 36 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure on approach, possibly due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781207841Data APIEditorial standards

On final approach to Antananarivo-Ivato Airport, a dual-registration aircraft suffered a double engine failure, stalled, and crashed 500 meters short of runway 11 threshold. Thirty-six occupants died, with two initially surviving but later succumbing. The aircraft carried medical personnel returning from a humanitarian mission.

Accident Details

The aircraft, bearing the dual registration 5R-MMG (civil) and 525 (military), was on final approach to Antananarivo-Ivato Airport when it experienced a double engine failure. Subsequently, the aircraft stalled and crashed approximately 500 meters short of runway 11 threshold.

Occupants and Casualties

All occupants, with the exception of the military crew, were doctors, dentists, and nurses returning from a humanitarian mission at Maintirano on the island of La Réunion. Two passengers were seriously injured in the crash, while 34 other occupants were killed. The day following the accident, both survivors died from their injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to 36.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a double engine failure on approach, possibly due to fuel exhaustion.