6 fatalities

1979-07-23: Boeing 707 (OD-AFX) — TMA of Lebanon - Trans Mediterranean Airways — Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut, LebanonLanding (descent or approach)

On July 23, 1979, a Boeing 707 (registration OD-AFX) operated by TMA of Lebanon - Trans Mediterranean Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Beirut, Lebanon during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the pilot-in-command (pilot under supervision) failed to react properly to an engine power reduction on final approach. Lack of crew coordination was also reported. 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 1781225009Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered OD-AFX
Aircraft registered OD-AFX. Photo: Lars Söderström / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A training flight conducting a captain promotion check crashed at Beirut International Airport after a loss of control. The aircraft was destroyed, and all six crew members died.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a local training mission from Beirut International Airport. The flight was the final check for a copilot being evaluated for promotion to captain. After two successful touch-and-go maneuvers, the crew initiated another approach. During the approach, the airplane banked left and right, then adopted an excessive nose-up attitude. Due to a high angle of attack and low speed, the aircraft lost altitude, and the right wing struck the runway surface. The aircraft went out of control, crashed, and was totally destroyed. All six crew members on board were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. It is believed that the pilot-in-command, who was the pilot under supervision, failed to react properly to an engine power reduction on final approach. Additionally, a lack of crew coordination was reported as a contributing factor. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, and the wreckage was confined to the airport area. The investigation did not release further details regarding the crew's identities or the specific aircraft type.