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80 fatalities

Aircraft Crash at Tidjikdja Airport During Sandstorm (5T-CLF)

Tidjikdja, MauritaniaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 1, 1994, a Fokker F28 Fellowship (registration 5T-CLF) operated by Air Mauritanie was involved in an aviation accident near Tidjikdja, Mauritania during landing or approach. 80 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The approach was completed in below weather minima and the crew continued the descent without establishing a visual contact with the ground and runway. At the time of the accident, the visibility and the RVR were below minimums. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed at Tidjikdja Airport after a second approach in a sandstorm. The plane struck the runway, veered off, and caught fire, killing 80 occupants while 13 passengers were rescued.

Incident Overview and Sequence of Events During the approach to Tidjikdja Airport, the flight crew encountered poor visibility caused by a sandstorm. The captain initiated a go-around after failing to establish visual contact with the runway. Minutes later, the crew attempted a second approach despite the weather conditions not improving. At approximately 25 meters above the airfield, the aircraft nosed down and struck the runway surface violently. The impact tore off the undercarriage, and the aircraft veered off the runway before colliding with rocks and bursting into flames. Thirteen passengers were rescued, while 80 other occupants were killed. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the approach was completed below weather minima. The crew continued the descent without establishing visual contact with the ground and runway. At the time of the accident, both visibility and the Runway Visual Range (RVR) were below minimums. The investigation concluded that, considering the situation, the crew should have diverted to another suitable airport.

Probable cause

The approach was completed in below weather minima and the crew continued the descent without establishing a visual contact with the ground and runway. At the time of the accident, the visibility and the RVR were below minimums. Considering the situation, the crew should divert to another suitable airport.
Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jul 1994 Fokker F28 Fellowship accident near Tidjikdja, Mauritania?

An aircraft crashed at Tidjikdja Airport after a second approach in a sandstorm. The plane struck the runway, veered off, and caught fire, killing 80 occupants while 13 passengers were rescued.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jul 1994 Fokker F28 Fellowship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 80 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jul 1994 involved a Fokker F28 Fellowship, registration 5T-CLF, operated by Air Mauritanie, at Tidjikdja, Mauritania.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The approach was completed in below weather minima and the crew continued the descent without establishing a visual contact with the ground and runway. At the time of the accident, the visibility and the RVR were below minimums. Considering the situation, the crew should divert to another suitable airport.

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