Algerian passenger plane disappears off radar over West Africa

Breaking news from West Africa as an Algerian passenger plane carrying 110 passengers has disappeared off of radar.

Air Algerie’s Flight AH5017 was reported missing since 2am local time as it was supposed to land in its destination of Algiers at 5.10am after taking off from Burkina Faso at 1.17am local time. Sky News originally reported that the plane in question was an Airbus A320 carrying 110 passengers and six-crew when it vanished off of radar just 50 minutes into the flight. However, according to FlightRadar24, the plane in question was a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 (pictured below).

Spanish airline Swiftair was operating a MD83 as #AH5017 for of Air Algerie. Reports say that there were 110 pax + 6 crew onboard. — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) July 24, 2014

Swiftair MD83 with registration EC-LTV has been leased to Air Algerie for the last days. http://t.co/pqCiGNVbWh pic.twitter.com/8FVqOENAmA — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) July 24, 2014

Speaking about the incident an Air Algerie spokesperson said: "In keeping with procedures, Air Algerie has launched its emergency plan”.

Pour le moment, hélas nous n'avons pas plus d'infos que vous. Nous vous donnerons les dernières infos en direct. — Air Algérie (@Air_Algerie) July 24, 2014

Translation: "At the moment, unfortunately we do not have more information than you. We will give you all the latest live." Pic via Air Algerie - Facebook More to follow...