The failure of an Air Force Special Operations Command aircrew to refuel their DHC-8/Q200 transport when they had the chance during a mission from Nouakchott, Mauritania, to Bamako Mali, on Nov. 19, 2009, caused the aircraft to run out of fuel short of Bamako and crash land on an isolated airstrip in Mali, AFSOC investigators have determined. One of the six passengers suffered severe injuries and the crew, along with the other passengers, suffered at least minor injuries. The aircraft, valued at $7 million, was a total loss. The DHC-8 was assigned to the 524th Special Operations Squadron at Cannon AFB, N.M. The accident investigation board found that the aircrew, once airborne, did not divert to a suitable alternate airport early enough despite indications of a fuel shortage. Factors like insufficient planning contributed to this mishap, stated the AIB. (AIB executive summary)
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
