Investigation Summary
The flight was operating a routine military transport mission across Algeria. After departing Ouargla, the aircraft began its approach to Constantine-Mohamed Boudiaf International Airport. Meteorological data at the time indicated a low-pressure system producing widespread snow showers and wind gusts up to 28 knots. Crucially, the 11:00 UTC METAR reported Cumulonimbus (CB) clouds at 2,300 feet, indicating significant convective activity and potential severe turbulence. The crash site on Djebel Fertas, located approximately 16 DME from the airport, is situated in high terrain that exceeds the altitude of a standard 3-degree ILS glideslope at that distance. This suggests the aircraft was either performing a non-precision segment of the arrival or had descended prematurely below the minimum sector altitude (MSA) before intercepting the localizer. The combination of localized blizzard conditions, severe turbulence, and the rugged terrain of the Oum El Bouaghi Province likely led to a loss of situational awareness and Controlled Flight Into Terrain.
Final Conclusions
The Algerian Ministry of Defence attributed the accident to unfavorable weather conditions, specifically a combination of heavy snow and strong winds that severely restricted visibility. The crash is classified as Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), as the aircraft was under pilot control until the moment of impact with the mountain. While initial reports varied significantly regarding the number of occupants, the final official count was established at 77 souls on board.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
ILS (Instrument Landing System)
The aircraft was reportedly conducting an ILS approach to Runway 34 at Constantine at the time of the crash.
DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)
The impact occurred at approximately 16 DME, while the approach procedure required maintaining higher altitudes until 12.5 DME.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a stretched 'Dash-30' version of the C-130H Hercules, manufactured in 1982.
- 02The lone survivor was a soldier who was found with severe head trauma and transported to a military hospital.
- 03The passengers included soldiers and their family members, including women and children.
- 04The crash site was located at an elevation where snow and low-pressure systems were producing blizzard-like conditions.
- 05This was the deadliest aviation accident in Algeria since the 2003 Air Algérie Flight 6289 crash.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Operational Safety Directive
Following the accident, the Algerian Ministry of Defence issued a directive to all military transport wings to review and strictly adhere to Minimum Sector Altitudes (MSA) and approach procedures during adverse weather conditions, particularly when operating in the mountainous regions of eastern Algeria.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Conflicting Occupant Counts
Reference ↗Initial reports from Algerian state media and government officials claimed 103 people were on board with 102 fatalities. The Ministry of Defence later corrected the figure to 78, and finally 77 occupants (74 passengers and 4 crew, though the final fatality count of 76 with 1 survivor implies 77 total).