35 fatalities

1967-04-11: Douglas DC-4 (7T-VAU) — Air Algérie — Tamanrasset, Algeria

Tamanrasset, AlgeriaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 11, 1967, a Douglas DC-4 (registration 7T-VAU) operated by Air Algérie was involved in an aviation accident near Tamanrasset, Algeria during landing or approach. 35 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a mountain slope because the crew failed to maintain an adequate altitude during its night approach to the airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781240095Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its night approach to Tamanrasset, resulting in 35 fatalities and four injuries.

What happened

A multi-engine aircraft was performing a scheduled flight originating from Algiers, with several planned stops including Ghardaïa, Hassi Messaoud, In Amenas, and Djanet. Although the itinerary included a stop at Djanet Airport for passenger boarding, no passengers boarded or departed the aircraft during that leg of the journey.

During the final approach to Tamanrasset Airport under nighttime conditions, the crew did not maintain sufficient altitude. This resulted in the aircraft striking a mountain slope situated approximately 8 km from the airport. The impact and subsequent post-crash fire caused the total destruction of the airframe. The wreckage was located roughly 300 meters below the mountain summit.

The accident resulted in 35 fatalities and four serious injuries. Among those who perished were several tourists from France and Switzerland. The survivors included two individuals, both of whom sustained significant injuries.

Findings

Investigations concluded that the primary factor in the accident was controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope because the crew failed to maintain an adequate altitude during its night approach to the airport.