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Bomb Explosion Causes Aircraft Disintegration over Saudi Desert (OD-AFT)

Al Qaysumah, Saudi ArabiaFlight

On January 1, 1976, a Boeing 720 (registration OD-AFT) operated by Middle East Airlines - MEA was involved in an aviation accident near Al Qaysumah, Saudi Arabia in flight. 82 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of the explosion of a bomb that had been placed in the front cargo compartment. The detonation at high altitude caused an explosive decompression of the cabin and the total disintegration of the airplane. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft en route from Beirut to Dubai cruising at 37,000 feet disappeared from radar after a bomb exploded in the front cargo compartment, causing total disintegration. None of the 82 occupants survived.

Incident Overview

An aircraft operating a scheduled flight from Beirut to Dubai was cruising at an altitude of 37,000 feet during night hours when it vanished from radar screens at 0530 local time. The crew did not transmit any distress call prior to the disappearance. Search efforts later located wreckage approximately 37 kilometers northwest of Al Qaysumah in the Saudi desert. Debris was scattered over a wide area, and none of the 82 occupants survived the accident.

Investigation Findings

Official investigation determined that the accident resulted from the explosion of a bomb placed in the front cargo compartment. The detonation at high altitude led to an explosive decompression of the cabin, followed by the total disintegration of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The accident was the consequence of the explosion of a bomb that had been placed in the front cargo compartment. The detonation at high altitude caused an explosive decompression of the cabin and the total disintegration of the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jan 1976 Boeing 720 accident near Al Qaysumah, Saudi Arabia?

An aircraft en route from Beirut to Dubai cruising at 37,000 feet disappeared from radar after a bomb exploded in the front cargo compartment, causing total disintegration. None of the 82 occupants survived.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jan 1976 Boeing 720 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 82 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jan 1976 involved a Boeing 720, registration OD-AFT, operated by Middle East Airlines - MEA, at Al Qaysumah, Saudi Arabia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was the consequence of the explosion of a bomb that had been placed in the front cargo compartment. The detonation at high altitude caused an explosive decompression of the cabin and the total disintegration of the airplane.

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