Incident Overview
Approximately 20 minutes after departing from Aden Airport, while cruising at an altitude of 6,000 feet, the aircraft suddenly exploded in mid-air. The explosion caused the aircraft to disintegrate and crash into a desert area in the region of Wādī Rabţah. Debris was located several hours later. The crash site was situated about 140 kilometers east of the route between Aden and Maifa'a, northeast of Ahwar.
Casualties
All 30 occupants of the aircraft perished in the crash.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the explosion was caused by the detonation of an explosive device placed inside a passenger bag stored in the left baggage compartment, located just above the left wing. The act was characterized as sabotage, but the reason for the sabotage and the identity of the perpetrator remain unknown.