On January 15, 2008, a Beechcraft 90 King Air (registration SU-ZAA) operated by Nuclear Materials Authority was involved in an aviation accident near Port Said, Egypt during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An apparent engine explosion or fire caused the aircraft to lose altitude and crash during its approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A training flight departing from Cairo-Intl Airport ended in a fatal crash near Port Said following an apparent mid-air fire.
What happened
During a morning training mission, a flight departed from Cairo-Intl Airport with the intention of traveling to Port Said. The flight crew performed four successful touch-and-go maneuvers before commencing a fifth circuit of the airfield.
While on the approach phase of this fifth circuit, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude. During this descent, the aircraft appeared to catch fire, with indications suggesting a possible engine explosion. The aircraft subsequently impacted an open field, where it burst into flames upon contact with the ground.
Findings
The accident resulted in two fatalities, involving both pilots on board.
The primary factor in the crash was an apparent mid-air fire or engine explosion during the approach.
Probable cause
An apparent engine explosion or fire caused the aircraft to lose altitude and crash during its approach.