STATEMENT: U.S. Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing in Mali, No Fatalities
A U.S. military aircraft supporting the U.S. Africa Command (U.S. AFRICOM) made an emergency landing in Mali just north of the capital, Bamako, November 19, 2009.<br />
By US AFRICOM Public Affairs, U.S. Africa Command Public AffairsSTUTTGART, GermanyNov 20, 2009
A U.S. military aircraft supporting the U.S. Africa Command (U.S. AFRICOM) made an emergency landing in Mali just north of the capital, Bamako, November 19, 2009.
Personnel on board consisted of three aircrew members and six passengers who experienced injuries, the extent of which are not yet fully determined but are not considered life-threatening. All personnel were safely recovered from the landing site and received medical treatment at a facility in Bamako. They are awaiting transport to a military medical facility in Europe for additional treatment.
Upon reports of the landing, which occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m., personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Mali and members of the Malian military were dispatched to the scene to provide medical assistance on-scene. The U.S. military thanks the Malian military for their prompt assistance.
Initial reports indicate the aircraft suffered a mechanical malfunction; however, a safety board will investigate and determine the exact cause of the incident. Initial reports do not indicate that the emergency landing was due to any hostile action.