Incident Overview
A charter flight departing from Algiers Airport late in the evening crashed into the Mediterranean Sea after the pilot declared an emergency. The aircraft was en route to Mahón in the Balearic Islands, Spain, carrying three crew members and 28 members of the Algerian soccer team Air Liquide (AGAL). While cruising at night at its assigned altitude, the pilot reported an emergency at 2309 local time, stating the aircraft's position was 65 nautical miles north of Algiers. Shortly thereafter, radar and radio contact were lost, and the airplane crashed into the sea.
Search and Rescue Operations
Search and rescue (SAR) operations were jointly conducted by Spanish, Algerian, and French authorities. However, after several days, the search was suspended because no trace of the aircraft or the 31 occupants was found.
Passengers
All passengers on board were reported to be players, staff members, and family members of the Air Liquide soccer team. They were traveling to Mahón to participate in a New Year's soccer tournament.