On July 22, 1956, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration G-AESR) operated by Oilfields Supply & Trading Company was involved in an aviation accident near Gerdes El Abid, Libya during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck soft sand during the takeoff phase, causing it to go out of control. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft lost control and crashed into soft sand during its departure from Gerdes El Abid, resulting in no fatalities among the seven people on board.
What happened
During a takeoff attempt from Gerdes El Abid, an aircraft lost control and impacted the ground. The incident occurred while the plane was in the initial departure phase of flight. Upon impact, the aircraft sustained damage that resulted in it being written off.
Despite the severity of the crash, all seven occupants on board were successfully rescued from the wreckage and evacuated from the site without any reported fatalities or injuries.
Findings
Preliminary information suggests that the primary reason for the loss of control was that the aircraft struck soft sand during its takeoff roll.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck soft sand during the takeoff phase, causing it to go out of control.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Jul 1956 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident near Gerdes El Abid, Libya?
An aircraft lost control and crashed into soft sand during its departure from Gerdes El Abid, resulting in no fatalities among the seven people on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 22 Jul 1956 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Jul 1956 involved a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, registration G-AESR, operated by Oilfields Supply & Trading Company, at Gerdes El Abid, Libya.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft struck soft sand during the takeoff phase, causing it to go out of control.
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