2 fatalities

Mohammed bin Ladin and Pilot Killed in Beechcraft 18 Mountain Crash (HZ-IBN)

Usran, Saudi ArabiaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 3, 1967, a Beechcraft G18S (registration HZ-IBN) operated by Saudi Binladin Group was involved in an aviation accident near Usran, Saudi Arabia during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered HZ-IBN
Aircraft registered HZ-IBN. Photo: Aeroprints.com / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Saudi businessman Mohammed bin Ladin and his pilot died when their Beechcraft 18 struck a mountain near Usran, 45 km from Khamis Mushait. The flight was diverted from a Hawker Siddeley HS.121 due to Usran's lack of an aerodrome.

Incident

The twin-engine Beechcraft 18, carrying Saudi businessman Mohammed bin Ladin and his pilot, struck a mountainside while approaching the village of Usran, approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Khamis Mushait. Both occupants were killed.

Background

Mohammed bin Ladin, the founder of the Saudi Binladin Group in 1931, had earlier arrived at Khamis Mushait Airport aboard his Hawker Siddeley HS.121. Because Usran lacked an aerodrome, he was forced to transfer to his Beechcraft 18 for the final segment of his journey. The purpose of the trip was to inspect various ongoing construction projects in the region.

Accident Details

While descending toward Usran, the aircraft flew too low and collided with the slope of a mountain. The impact destroyed the airplane. The accident resulted in the deaths of both individuals on board: the pilot and Mr. bin Ladin.

(Note: The source does not specify the date, time, weather conditions, or any ATC involvement.)