Algerian Military Transport Plane Crash Kills Two Officers

A small Algerian military transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff during a scheduled mission, killing two crew members and injuring four others, according to the Ministry of National Defence.

According to Algeria’s Ministry of National Defence, the aircraft involved was a BE-1900 military transport aircraft operating a scheduled mission when it crashed shortly after departure from the runway at Ouargla Air Base in the First Military Region. A total of six crew members were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.

The ministry confirmed that two officers were killed in the accident while the remaining four crew members were injured with varying severity. The injured personnel were transferred to the Central Army Hospital for treatment shortly after the incident.

Officials described the event as a tragic accident and confirmed that the armed forces had begun procedures to determine the cause.

Algeria’s Chief of Staff, Army Corps General Saïd Chengriha, who also serves as Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defense, ordered a full investigation into the crash.

According to the defense ministry, Chengriha “has ordered the opening of a thorough investigation to determine the causes of this incident and its circumstances.”

The statement added that the armed forces leadership extended condolences to the families of the two officers who were killed.

The ministry also confirmed that the injured crew members were evacuated immediately after the crash and placed under medical care.

The aircraft involved, the Beechcraft BE-1900, is a twin-engine turboprop transport aircraft commonly used for military transport missions and logistical operations.

Following the crash, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who serves as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Minister of National Defense, issued a message of condolences to the families of the deceased officers.

The statement also said Tebboune prayed for the victims and wished a “swift recovery for the survivors.”

Military leadership echoed those sentiments, describing the victims as “martyrs” and emphasizing solidarity with their families and colleagues in the armed forces.

While details surrounding the cause of the accident remain limited, the defense ministry confirmed that the investigation will examine both the technical causes and the circumstances of the crash. Further findings are expected once the inquiry ordered by the Algerian armed forces is completed.

Military transport aircraft such as the BE-1900 are frequently used for logistical operations, personnel movement, and short-range transport between military bases.