Algiers - Bamako - Freetown

On May 31, 1981 at 12:00 AM, Algiers - Bamako - Freetown experienced a crash involving Dassault Falcon 20, operated by Algerian Government, with the event recorded near Bamako Bamako City District.

The flight was categorized as government and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

6 people were known to be on board, 3 fatalities were recorded, 3 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 50.0%.

Crew on board: 4, crew fatalities: 3, passengers on board: 2, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is weather. On final approach to Bamako Intl Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with stormy weather and severe turbulences. The airplane went out of control and crashed 8 km short of runway. Both passengers and a crew member were injured while three other crew members were killed. Both passengers were the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Seddick Benyahia and his chief of staff. They were en route to Freetown to take part to a conference about the war in the Western Sahara.

Aircraft reference details include registration 7T-VRE, MSN 156, year of manufacture 1969.