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39 fatalities

Mauritanian Presidential Plane Crash in Nouakchott (5T-MAG)

Néma, MauritaniaTakeoff (climb)

On May 12, 1998, a Xian Yunsunji Y-7-100 (registration 5T-MAG) operated by Mauritanian Air Force - Force Aérienne Islamique de Mauritanie was involved in an aviation accident near Néma, Mauritania during takeoff. 39 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during initial climb after one of the engine failed for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A plane carrying the Mauritanian president and 42 others crashed near Nouakchott after an engine failure during initial climb, killing 39.

Incident Overview and Casualties The aircraft was returning to Nouakchott with 35 passengers and seven crew members who accompanied the President of the Republic of Mauritania on an official visit of the Hodh Ech Chargui Region. All passengers were members of the Mauritanian Army fanfare. Shortly after a night takeoff, while in initial climb, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a huge explosion near the runway end. Three passengers were seriously injured while 39 other occupants were killed. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause was loss of control during initial climb after one of the engine failed for unknown reasons.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 May 1998 Xian Yunsunji Y-7-100 accident near Néma, Mauritania?

A plane carrying the Mauritanian president and 42 others crashed near Nouakchott after an engine failure during initial climb, killing 39.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 May 1998 Xian Yunsunji Y-7-100 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 39 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 May 1998 involved a Xian Yunsunji Y-7-100, registration 5T-MAG, operated by Mauritanian Air Force - Force Aérienne Islamique de Mauritanie, at Néma, Mauritania.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control during initial climb after one of the engine failed for unknown reasons.

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