Accident Description
After touching down on runway 06L at Gao Airport, the airplane was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran the runway and eventually crashed into a ravine located approximately 500 meters past the runway end. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact. The exact number of victims remains unclear, though some casualties were reported and a few people were rescued.
Landing Distance Issue
For unknown reasons, the airplane touched down too far down the runway, most likely well past the midpoint. This significantly reduced the landing distance available, and the crew was unable to stop the airplane in time.
Background
The airplane is believed to have been given to the Malian Air Force by the Wagner Group about one week before the accident. According to Malian authorities, some members of the Wagner Group were on board. The identity and type of the aircraft have not been officially disclosed.
Casualties
At least two crew members are believed to have been killed in the crash. The total number of casualties is not yet known.