No fatalities

Engine Fire During Cruise Forces Belly Landing Near El Badary (ZS-CIG)

El Badary, EgyptFlight

On September 3, 1960, a Douglas DC-4 (registration ZS-CIG) operated by Trek Airways was involved in an aviation accident near El Badary, Egypt in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A heavy fuel leak from a sheared or cracked fuel pressure pipe, which was ignited by sparks from the generator. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

While cruising from Cairo to Entebbe at 9,500 feet, engine number two caught fire. The crew attempted extinguishment but failed, leading to a belly landing near El Badary. All 67 occupants evacuated safely; the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Sequence

While cruising from Cairo to Entebbe at an altitude of 9,500 feet, the aircraft's engine number two caught fire. The crew feathered the propeller and attempted to extinguish the fire, but their efforts were unsuccessful. As the fire could not be contained, the captain decided to reduce altitude and attempt an emergency landing.

Emergency Landing

The aircraft performed a belly landing in a sandy area near El Badary, approximately 30 kilometers south of Asyut. Upon landing, the aircraft came to rest in flames.

Evacuation

All 67 occupants evacuated the aircraft safely. The aircraft was subsequently completely destroyed by fire.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a heavy fuel leak from a sheared or cracked fuel pressure pipe, which was ignited by sparks from the generator.