40 fatalities

1968-08-18: Antonov AN-24 (SU-AOL) — United Arab Airlines — Mediterranean Sea, World

Mediterranean Sea, WorldFlight

On August 18, 1968, an Antonov AN-24 (registration SU-AOL) operated by United Arab Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mediterranean Sea, World in flight. 40 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Due to lack of evidences, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781238535Data APIEditorial standards

While in cruising altitude over the Mediterranean Sea, an aircraft on a flight from Cairo to Damascus went out of control and crashed. SAR operations found debris about 180 km south of Cyprus. None of the 40 occupants survived; the main wreckage was not recovered.

Incident

An aircraft operating a flight from Cairo to Damascus went out of control while cruising over the Mediterranean Sea and crashed into the water under unknown circumstances. The aircraft was at cruising altitude at the time of the loss of control.

Search and Recovery

Search and rescue (SAR) operations were conducted following the accident. Several pieces of debris were located approximately 180 kilometers south of the coast of Cyprus. None of the 40 occupants aboard the aircraft was found alive. The main wreckage of the aircraft was not recovered.

Investigation

The accident investigation was hampered by the lack of physical evidence. The main wreckage remained unrecovered, limiting the ability to examine the aircraft structure and systems. Without such evidence, the investigation could not determine the sequence of events leading to the loss of control.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause, as stated in the investigation findings, is: "Due to lack of evidences, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty."