What happened
A non-scheduled international cargo operation was planned from Cairo to Beirut. Prior to takeoff, ground operations staff alerted the pilot-in-command regarding deteriorating weather conditions along the flight path and at the destination airport. Meteorological reports indicated significant cloud cover, including cumulonimbus clouds ranging from 550 m to 8,500 m, with a high probability of severe turbulence and moderate to severe icing. Following these warnings and the issuance of SIGMETs, the pilot opted to delay departure until 0700 hours in hopes of better conditions.
The aircraft departed Cairo at 0721 hours. Shortly after takeoff, the crew communicated with Cairo Approach, reporting their position near EL 70. After passing the Zif ta Beacon, the crew contacted Cairo Control to declare an intention to return to Cairo due to icing conditions. They subsequently reported that ice was accumulating on the airframe. This communication was the final contact from the aircraft. At 1020 hours, authorities received notification that the aircraft had crashed approximately 5 km southeast of A1 Mahalla-Al Kobra. The accident resulted in four fatalities.
Findings
The investigation determined that ice accretion on the lifting surfaces, combined with moderate to severe turbulence, led to a loss of control. In an attempt to recover the aircraft, the aerodynamic loads exceeded the approved design limits, causing the structural disintegration of major components in flight. Contributing factors included the aircraft being overweight by approximately 500 kg and the potential shifting of cargo, which may have altered the center of gravity.