Nighttime crash near Béchar Airport involving 14 fatalities

14 fatalities • Béchar, Algeria • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight approaching Béchar Airport crashed in a desert region during a night approach, resulting in 14 deaths and nine injuries.

What happened

During a nighttime approach to Béchar Airport, an aircraft struck the ground in a desert area situated approximately 15 km from the runway threshold. The impact occurred while the flight was in its final approach phase. The accident resulted in 14 fatalities among the passengers. Additionally, nine other individuals on board sustained injuries, a group that included all three members of the flight crew.

Findings

Investigations into the crash identified several contributing elements related to flight operations and cockpit management. The incident was driven by inadequate approach planning and a failure by the crew to adhere to established procedures. Furthermore, investigators noted a lack of effective coordination among the crew members and issues stemming from crew fatigue. A potential technical issue involving a possible malfunction of the captain's altimeter was also identified as a contributing factor to the low altitude at the time of impact.

Probable cause

The crash resulted from a combination of poor approach planning, failure to follow procedures, lack of coordination, crew fatigue, and a potential altimeter malfunction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-01-24 Nord 262 accident near Béchar, Algeria?

A flight approaching Béchar Airport crashed in a desert region during a night approach, resulting in 14 deaths and nine injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-01-24 Nord 262 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-01-24 involved a Nord 262, registration 7T-VSU, operated by Air Algérie, at Béchar, Algeria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash resulted from a combination of poor approach planning, failure to follow procedures, lack of coordination, crew fatigue, and a potential altimeter malfunction.

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