Aircraft crash off the coast of Beirut

27 fatalities • Beirut, Lebanon • Flight

An aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean Sea approximately 18 km from Beirut, resulting in no survivors among the 27 people on board.

What happened

Shortly after departing from Beirut Airport, the flight crew notified air traffic control regarding an onboard fire. Following this emergency notification, the decision was made to perform a return to the departure airfield.

While maintaining an altitude of roughly 2,000 meters, the aircraft began a rapid descent and impacted the sea approximately 18 km away from Beirut. Search efforts located various pieces of debris the following morning. The flight was also transporting a cargo of gold at the time of the accident.

Findings

  • The aircraft was carrying a total of 27 fatalities.
  • An onboard fire was reported by the crew during the initial climb phase.

Probable cause

An onboard fire occurred shortly after takeoff, leading to a loss of altitude and subsequent impact with the sea.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1957-10-03 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Beirut, Lebanon?

An aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean Sea approximately 18 km from Beirut, resulting in no survivors among the 27 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1957-10-03 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 27 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1957-10-03 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration OD-ACK, operated by Lebanese International Airways - LIA, at Beirut, Lebanon.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An onboard fire occurred shortly after takeoff, leading to a loss of altitude and subsequent impact with the sea.

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