What happened
On a mission intended for humanitarian aid, an ATR 42 (registration 61-NZ) was traveling from Dakar toward Kédougou. The aircraft was operating under the authority of the Escadron de Transport 01/061 Touraine. While the flight was maintaining a very low altitude during its cruise phase, one of the wingtips made contact with the terrain. This impact led to a crash within the boundaries of the Niokolo Koba National Park.
There were nine fatalities in total, as all individuals on board perished in the accident. The occupants included seven crew members and two passengers.
Findings
The investigation noted that the aircraft was flying at an extremely low altitude when it struck the ground, which served as the primary factor in the loss of the aircraft.