What happened
During a nighttime cargo operation traveling from Faro to Uli via São Tomé, an aircraft carrying ammunition experienced significant mechanical issues. While traversing the airspace over Morocco, the crew notified air traffic control of engine difficulties and requested permission to divert to the closest available airfield.
As the flight progressed, the aircraft lost altitude and ultimately collided with the slope of Mt Tibhirine, situated near Mt Toubkal in the Atlas range, south of Oukaïmeden. Following the impact, search and rescue efforts were conducted but were eventually halted after several days when no wreckage or survivors could be located. It was not until July 1970 that debris from the crash was discovered at an elevation of 3,900 meters on the mountain peak.
The accident resulted in eight fatalities, with all occupants on board lost. The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft.
Findings
Investigations into the crash indicated that the aircraft suffered from severe power loss. According to reports from the Biafran government, three of the four engines were non-functional at the time of the incident.