Ilyushin Il-76 destroyed in landing accident in Mali 🇲🇱📍

Footage has emerged of an Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft which was destroyed by fire after a runway excursion incident in Mali over the weekend.

The Mali Air Force Ilyushin Il-76 suffered the fatal accident after overrunning the runway following a landing at Gao International Airport (GAQ) in Mali on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

Runway excursion

The aircraft touched down late on RWY 06L, which is 2500 m long. Following the late touchdown, the crew persisted with the landing but failed to stop on the remaining runway length.

The heavy aircraft then travelled approximately 380 m past the end of the runway, before crossing a perimeter road and then proceeding down an embankment.

A fire then erupted, which consumed a large part of the aircraft. The number of occupants aboard the flight has not been disclosed, though it has been reported that a Russian pilot was amongst the fatalities.

According to the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives, the aircraft eventually crashed in a ravine located about 500 meters past the runway end, before bursting into flames.

The report notes an undisclosed number casualties but also states that a few people were rescued. The exact number of victims and survivors is unclear.

The aircraft involved was an Ilyushin Il-76, registration TZ-98T, belonging to the Mali Air Force. It is believed that the airplane was previously owned by the Wagner Group and was handed to the Air Force about a week prior to the accident.