Aircraft crash near Cairo International Airport

34 fatalities • Az Zahawiyyin, Egypt • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into an orange grove approximately 18 km north of Cairo following a takeoff during a sandstorm.

What happened

During a period of heavy sandstorm conditions, an aircraft departed from Cairo-Intl Airport. While the flight was in its initial climb phase, the aircraft became uncontrollable and descended into an orange plantation situated in Az Zahawiyyin, roughly 18 km north of the departure airfield.

The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate upon hitting the ground. There were no survivors of the accident, with a total of 34 fatalities recorded among all occupants on board.

Findings

  • The flight was operating during active sandstorm conditions at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost control during the climb phase while flying through a sandstorm.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1963-05-12 Douglas DC-3 accident near Az Zahawiyyin, Egypt?

An aircraft crashed into an orange grove approximately 18 km north of Cairo following a takeoff during a sandstorm.

Were there any fatalities in the 1963-05-12 Douglas DC-3 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 34 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1963-05-12 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration SU-AJX, operated by United Arab Airlines, at Az Zahawiyyin, Egypt.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost control during the climb phase while flying through a sandstorm.

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