Aircraft abandonment and crash near Gharyan

No fatalities • Gharyan, Libya • Flight

An aircraft traveling from Udine to Tripoli ran out of fuel, leading the crew and passengers to bail out before the plane crashed in a desert region.

What happened

During a flight originating in Udiment, Italy, bound for Wheelus Air Force Base in Tripoli, an unidentified aircraft experienced a critical loss of power. While en route to its destination, the plane drifted significantly south of its intended path. As the flight progressed, the aircraft suffered from fuel exhaustion, leaving the occupants with no choice but to evacuate.

All 24 occupants managed to exit the plane via parachute before the descent concluded. Following the abandonment, the aircraft entered a steep dive and impacted the ground in a desert zone situated approximately 48 km south of Gharyan. While the aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact, all individuals involved were successfully rescued.

Findings

  • The flight ended after the crew and passengers were forced to abandon the vessel due to the depletion of fuel reserves.

Probable cause

The aircraft ran out of fuel during the flight, necessitating an emergency bailout.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-08-09 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Gharyan, Libya?

An aircraft traveling from Udine to Tripoli ran out of fuel, leading the crew and passengers to bail out before the plane crashed in a desert region.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-08-09 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-08-09 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration 51-2542, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Gharyan, Libya.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft ran out of fuel during the flight, necessitating an emergency bailout.

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