Aircraft shot down over Suez desert during survey mission

7 fatalities • Suez, Egypt • Flight

An aircraft conducting a survey flight was destroyed by an Egyptian missile after entering Egyptian airspace, resulting in seven fatalities.

What happened

During a scheduled survey operation, an unidentified aircraft entered Egyptian airspace and was subsequently targeted by an Egyptian surface-to-air missile. The impact caused the plane to crash within a desert region situated near Suez.

Of the eight people on board, there were seven fatalities and one crew member who managed to survive the incident. The aircraft was operating in a survey capacity at the time of the loss.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the destruction of the aircraft was the direct result of being shot down by a surface-to-air missile following its penetration into sovereign Egyptian airspace.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by an Egyptian surface-to-air missile after entering national airspace.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-09-17 Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker accident near Suez, Egypt?

An aircraft conducting a survey flight was destroyed by an Egyptian missile after entering Egyptian airspace, resulting in seven fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-09-17 Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-09-17 involved a Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker, registration 4X-FPR/033, operated by Israeli Air Force - Heyl Ha'avir, at Suez, Egypt.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by an Egyptian surface-to-air missile after entering national airspace.

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