7 fatalities

2012-07-12: Harbin Yunsunji Y-12 (5T-MAE) — Mauritanian Air Force - Force Aérienne Islamique de Mauritanie — Nouakchott, Mauritania

Nouakchott, MauritaniaTakeoff (climb)

On July 12, 2012, a Harbin Yunsunji Y-12 (registration 5T-MAE) operated by Mauritanian Air Force - Force Aérienne Islamique de Mauritanie was involved in an aviation accident near Nouakchott, Mauritania during takeoff. 7 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781194736Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft stalled and crashed shortly after takeoff from Nouakchott, killing all seven occupants and destroying the aircraft in a post-crash fire.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft, operating a special flight to the Tasiast Airstrip on behalf of Kinross Gold Corporation, stalled and crashed shortly after takeoff from Nouakchott. The accident occurred during initial climb, with the aircraft coming to rest in a desert area past the end of the runway. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames.

Occupants and Aircraft Damage

All seven occupants were killed in the accident. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a subsequent post-crash fire. Among the occupants were both pilots, who were Mauritanian Customs Officers, and three Security Officers of Kinross Gold Corporation, who were in charge of transferring a load of gold back to Nouakchott. The remaining passengers were not specified in the source.

Operational Context

At the time of the accident, the aircraft was engaged in a special flight to the Tasiast Airstrip, which serves the Tasiast gold mine. The flight was conducted on behalf of Kinross Gold Corporation. No other details about the flight's purpose or the specific sequence of events beyond the stall and subsequent crash were provided.