No fatalities

1972-01-07: Convair CV-340 (HZ-AAU) — Saudi Arabian Airlines - SAUDIA — Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 7, 1972, a Convair CV-340 (registration HZ-AAU) operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines - SAUDIA was involved in an aviation accident near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A technical problem occurred on an engine after a number 1 cylinder exhaust valve held in the open position. The crew was unaware of the hydraulic system failure, which was considered a contributing factor. 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 1781234501Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered HZ-AAU
Aircraft registered HZ-AAU. Photo: Tequask / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After reporting technical problems post-takeoff, an aircraft returned to Jeddah for an emergency landing. On touchdown, it veered left, collapsing the nose gear. All 15 occupants evacuated safely; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview

Shortly after takeoff from Jeddah-King Abdulaziz Airport, the flight crew reported technical problems and received clearance to return for an emergency landing. During the final approach, the copilot extended the flaps to an angle of 17°, and the landing was properly completed on runway 33L.

Sequence of Events

After touchdown, the airplane veered off the runway to the left. While contacting rocky ground, the nose gear collapsed, and the aircraft came to rest. All 15 occupants evacuated safely, but the airplane sustained damage beyond repair.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, a technical problem occurred on an engine after a number 1 cylinder exhaust valve held in the open position. The crew was unaware of the hydraulic system failure, which was considered a contributing factor.