Night Take-off Accident at Gao: Aircraft Destroyed After Collision with Ground (F-ARTE)

Flight Background and Crew Condition The aircraft departed Abidjan on a return flight to Nice, with a planned overnight stop at Tamanrasset. Due to schedule delays and the absence of night markings at Tamanrasset, the pilot initially chose to spend the night at Gao and depart the following morning around 0900 LT. The pilot also reported feeling tired. Later that evening, the pilot received word from the company, prompting a change in plans to depart at 0300 LT. During pre-flight preparations at the meteorological office, the pilot spoke with an air traffic controller, expressing significant fatigue. The pilot noted that the Gao-to-Nice flight would involve only short stops, that the aircraft lacked an automatic pilot, and that he was also required to perform navigator duties. The pilot expressed strong concern about a night take-off and asked the controller to prohibit the departure. The controller could not comply because the flight plan was considered normal under regulations.