When the Islamist terrorist groups seized Gao and its airport, this Mi-24 (one of six having entered service in the Mali AF) was grounded under the sole hangar of the local air base. It was even further damaged by French fire when the latter took control of the airport, in late 2013. Some graffiti painted by the terrorists has been hastily painted over. Needless to say it was a complete loss for the Mali Air Force, and it was eventually removed (and probably scrapped) to make room in the hangar before it would be refurbished.

With TZ-416 (cn 186)

With TZ-404 (c/n 150152, former Bulgarian AF). TZ-414 would return to flying condition, and be recoded TZ-03H. Six Mi-24D have entered service with the Mali AF.

At that time, and until a brand new CN 295 was delivered, this BT-67 was the main (if not the only) transport asset of the Mali AF. It began its long life as C-47A s/n 42-100710, and was the 22nd airframe converted by Basler into a BT-67. Mali had two other BT-67s, serials TZ-389 and TZ-391 (the latter sold as C-GJKB).

On delivery to the Mali Air Force.

On delivery to the Mali Air Force.

A rare bird!