Aircraft accident near Tamanrasset Airport

35 fatalities • Tamanrasset, Algeria • Landing (descent or approach)

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1967-04-11 Douglas DC-4 accident near Tamanrasset, Algeria?

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

Were there any fatalities in the 1967-04-11 Douglas DC-4 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 35 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1967-04-11 involved a Douglas DC-4, registration 7T-VAU, operated by Air Algérie, at Tamanrasset, Algeria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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

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