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2 fatalities

Airplane Overruns Runway at Gao Airport, Crashes into Ravine (TZ-98T)

Gao, MaliLanding (descent or approach)

On September 23, 2023, an Ilyushin II-76 (registration TZ-98T) operated by Malian Air Force - Force Aérienne de la République du Mali was involved in an aviation accident near Gao, Mali during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Landing too far down the runway, reducing the available landing distance and preventing the crew from stopping the airplane. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane overran runway 06L at Gao Airport, crashed into a ravine 500 meters past the runway end, and burst into flames. Some casualties were reported, and the exact number of victims is unclear. At least two crew members are believed killed.

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.

Probable cause

Landing too far down the runway, reducing the available landing distance and preventing the crew from stopping the airplane.
Runway excursion

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 2023 Ilyushin II-76 accident near Gao, Mali?

An airplane overran runway 06L at Gao Airport, crashed into a ravine 500 meters past the runway end, and burst into flames. Some casualties were reported, and the exact number of victims is unclear. At least two crew members are believed killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Sept 2023 Ilyushin II-76 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 2023 involved an Ilyushin II-76, registration TZ-98T, operated by Malian Air Force - Force Aérienne de la République du Mali, at Gao, Mali.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Landing too far down the runway, reducing the available landing distance and preventing the crew from stopping the airplane.

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