On December 31, 1973, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration N481F) operated by Ray Geophysical was involved in an aviation accident near Tombouctou, Mali in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine power loss in flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A Ray Geophysical aircraft on a Texaco mission experienced an engine power loss en route, crashed after striking trees, and was damaged beyond repair; all six occupants escaped with one minor injury.
Accident Overview
A loss of engine power during cruise flight forced the crew to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and crashed in flames north of Tombouctou. All six occupants managed to evacuate; one passenger sustained a slight injury. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Aircraft and Mission
The airplane was owned by Ray Geophysical and was operating on an on-demand mission on behalf of Texaco. The exact date of the accident is not recorded, but it occurred sometime in 1973.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire. The six occupants—presumably including crew and passengers—escaped the wreckage. One passenger suffered a minor injury; no other injuries were reported.
Official Finding
The probable cause was determined to be an engine power loss in flight.
What happened in the 31 Dec 1973 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Tombouctou, Mali?
A Ray Geophysical aircraft on a Texaco mission experienced an engine power loss en route, crashed after striking trees, and was damaged beyond repair; all six occupants escaped with one minor injury.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Dec 1973 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Dec 1973 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration N481F, operated by Ray Geophysical, at Tombouctou, Mali.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…