Incident Overview
On approach to Lomé Airport, a nearly new aircraft crashed several kilometers short of the runway. The airplane was returning to Lomé after transporting the President of Niger, Mr. Seyni Kountche, back to Niamey following an international conference held in Lomé.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was brand new. It had completed its first flight on July 17 and had accumulated only 50 flight hours over 35 cycles at the time of the accident. The crash resulted in the complete destruction of the aircraft.
Casualties
Three occupants lost their lives: the captain, the flight engineer, and one passenger. Two other passengers and the copilot sustained injuries.
Investigation
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. No further details regarding the cause have been released at this time.