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Nighttime Engine Fire Leads to Fatal Crash Near El Kelâa des Sraghna (55.S.4)

El Kelâa des Sraghna, MoroccoFlight

On August 17, 1960, an Avro 683 Lancaster (registration 55.S.4) operated by French Navy (Aéronavale - Marine Nationale) was involved in an aviation accident near El Kelâa des Sraghna, Morocco in flight. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine fire in flight. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft en route to Agadir at night reported an engine fire and diverted to Casablanca. It crashed in hilly terrain near El Kelâa des Sraghna, killing all 20 occupants. The aircraft was also coded WU-26.

Incident Overview and Diversion Decision During a nighttime flight en route to Agadir, the crew reported an engine fire to air traffic control. Following this report, the flight crew elected to divert the aircraft to Casablanca Airport. The aircraft was also coded WU-26. ## Crash and Casualties Shortly after the diversion decision, the airplane crashed in hilly terrain near El Kelâa des Sraghna. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact. All 20 occupants on board were killed in the accident. ## Official Findings The official investigation identified the probable cause of the accident as an engine fire in flight.

In-flight fire & smoke

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