No fatalities

1973-06-17: Douglas DC-3 (N7119) — Aero Service Corporation - USA — Tamanrasset, Algeria

Tamanrasset, AlgeriaTakeoff (climb)

On June 17, 1973, a Douglas DC-3 (registration N7119) operated by Aero Service Corporation - USA was involved in an aviation accident near Tamanrasset, Algeria during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine at takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781232596Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N7119
Aircraft registered N7119. Photo: Ken Fielding / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During takeoff roll, the right engine failed. The crew attempted to return but stalled and struck a rock hill. All three crew members escaped with minor injuries.

Incident

During the takeoff roll at Tamanrasset Airport, the right engine failed. The available distance was insufficient to stop the aircraft. After becoming airborne, the crew turned left due to very rough terrain and attempted to return to the airport. While trying to climb over a large rock hill, the aircraft stalled and struck the top of the hill. The airplane crash landed in a rocky area.

Damage

The right engine was sheared off during the impact and came to rest behind the airplane. The left engine separated from the wing, passed through and partly under the fuselage, and ended up behind the right wing.

Crew

The crew consisted of pilot Jim Bennett, pilot Dave Fenwick, and electronics operator Mike O'Connor. All three crew members escaped with minor injuries.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause is failure of the right engine at takeoff.