Aircraft crash near Luxor following diversion from Cairo

9 fatalities • Karm Umran, Egypt • Flight

An aircraft crashed into a residential area in Karm Umran after diverting to Luxor Airport due to poor visibility and subsequent low fuel levels.

What happened

While performing a night approach at Cairo International Airport, the flight crew aborted their landing attempt because visibility had dropped to 400 meters. A subsequent attempt to land at the same airport was also unsuccessful, prompting the decision to divert to Luxor Airport, where weather conditions were reported to be more favorable.

During the approach to Luxor from the northern direction, the crew issued an emergency declaration, citing critical fuel levels. During this phase of flight, the aircraft type lost altitude and struck several residential buildings in the city of Karm Umran, situated approximately 45 km north of the threshold for runway 20 at Luxor Airport. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were eight fatalities among the occupants of the plane, along with one fatality on the ground.

Findings

Official investigations suggest that the primary factor leading to the crash was fuel exhaustion, which necessitated an emergency landing attempt.

Probable cause

The crew attempted an emergency landing due to running out of fuel during a diversion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-12-14 Boeing 707 accident near Karm Umran, Egypt?

An aircraft crashed into a residential area in Karm Umran after diverting to Luxor Airport due to poor visibility and subsequent low fuel levels.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-12-14 Boeing 707 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-12-14 involved a Boeing 707, registration 5N-AYJ, operated by GAS Air Cargo - General & Aviation Services, at Karm Umran, Egypt.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew attempted an emergency landing due to running out of fuel during a diversion.

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