Algerian L-39 lost in crash

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The Algerian Air Force has lost one of its L-39 jet trainers in a fatal crash which killed both pilots.

The aircraft came down on 13 March during a routine night training flight, after taking off from Tafraoui air base.

According to Jane’s Defence Weekly, with 35 L-39C trainers and L-39ZA light attack/training aircraft, Algeria is one of the largest operators of the Albatros.

The Algerian Ministry of Defence said an investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched.

The L-39 crash is the latest to affect the Algerian Air Force, which lost a Su-24 on 22 February, killing two people. Algeria suffered its worst military aircraft crash in April 2018 when 257 people were killed aboard an Ilyushin Il-76 at a military base near Algiers.