Incident Overview
A Sabena Douglas DC-7 aircraft, operating a flight from Brussels, Belgium, to Léopoldville in the Belgian Congo, experienced a vibration in its number one engine while en route. The crew shut down the affected engine and notified Casablanca Air Traffic Control of their intention to make an emergency landing at that airport.
Approach and Go-Around
At 0419 local time, the aircraft attempted an approach to runway 21 but did not touch down. Approximately 600 meters past the runway threshold, at a height of 5 meters with the landing gear extended and flaps fully deployed, the crew applied full power. The DC-7 then entered a sharp left turn while climbing. After reaching a height of 25 meters, the aircraft stalled, struck buildings, and caught fire.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause: "An error of judgement in re-application of power when the aircraft was neither in the appropriate configuration nor at a sufficient speed to carry out the attempted safety manoeuvre." The report also noted that the correct procedure for a go-around involved gradually increasing throttle to attain V2 speed, retracting the landing gear, and retracting the flaps from 50 to 20 degrees at 115 knots.
Casualties
The accident resulted in the deaths of 61 occupants, while four passengers sustained injuries.