Aircraft accident near Tunis-Carthage Airport

14 fatalities • Tunis-Carthage, Tunisia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft flying from Cairo to Tunis crashed in hilly terrain during its approach to runway 11, resulting in multiple fatalities.

What happened

A scheduled flight departing from Cairo-Intl Airport for Tunis-Carthage Airport was conducting a VOR/DME approach to runway 11 when the accident occurred. The aircraft, carrying 56 passengers and six crew members, entered the Tunis FIR at 1450LT. During the approach phase, the crew notified air traffic control that they were descending from 3,000 feet to 2,100 feet at a distance of 12 NM. While the aircraft was cleared to land and transferred from approach control to the tower, the flight encountered limited visibility and winds of 30 knots from 130 degrees.

During the final approach, the aircraft struck a fence situated on a mountain peak. The subsequent crash occurred in hilly terrain approximately 6.6 km from the threshold of runway 11. The accident resulted in 14 fatalities (comprising three crew members and 11 passengers) and 48 injuries.

Findings

The accident occurred during the approach phase in conditions of limited visibility and significant crosswinds.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain and a fence during a low-visibility approach to the runway.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-05-07 Boeing 737-500 accident near Tunis-Carthage, Tunisia?

An aircraft flying from Cairo to Tunis crashed in hilly terrain during its approach to runway 11, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-05-07 Boeing 737-500 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-05-07 involved a Boeing 737-500, registration SU-GBI, operated by Egyptair, at Tunis-Carthage, Tunisia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain and a fence during a low-visibility approach to the runway.

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