Accident
A twin-engine airplane departed the oasis of Al-Bahariya on a flight to Cairo. On board were a crew of two and seven passengers, including one child. En route, weather conditions worsened and the pilot apparently lost his orientation. The crew decided to reduce altitude and attempted an emergency landing. The airplane belly landed in a desert area approximately 100 km northeast of Al-Bahariya. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair, but all nine occupants survived the landing.
Rescue Efforts and Aftermath
Rescue teams were unable to locate the airplane. All nine occupants died of thirst a few days later. The wreckage was eventually discovered by camels more than three years after the accident, on June 1, 1978.
Probable Cause
The official investigation stated: "It is believed the crew lost his orientation following the in-flight failure of several instruments."