Engine failure leads to aircraft crash near Tombouctou

No fatalities • Tombouctou, Mali • Flight

An aircraft operated by Ray Geophysical crashed north of Tombouctou following a loss of engine power during an on-demand mission.

What happened

During a flight mission conducted for Texaco, an aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power while en route. The crew attempted to perform an emergency landing to manage the situation; however, the plane struck trees and subsequently burst into flames in an area north of Tombouctou.

Despite the intensity of the crash and the resulting fire, all six people on board managed to evacuate the wreckage. There were no fatalities reported, though one passenger sustained a slight injury during the event. The aircraft was determined to be a total loss, as it was damaged beyond repair.

While the specific day of the incident is not recorded, the accident occurred at some point in 1973. The operator of the flight was Ray Geophysical.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the loss of engine power during the flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1973-12-31 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Tombouctou, Mali?

An aircraft operated by Ray Geophysical crashed north of Tombouctou following a loss of engine power during an on-demand mission.

Were there any fatalities in the 1973-12-31 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 1973-12-31 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration N481F, operated by Ray Geophysical, at Tombouctou, Mali.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the loss of engine power during the flight.

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