Aircraft crash during approach at Aswan Airport

100 fatalities • Aswan, Egypt • Landing (descent or approach)

A charter flight crashed while attempting to land at Aswan Airport during a sandstorm, resulting in 100 fatalities.

What happened

A charter flight departing from Jeddah was attempting to land at Aswan Airport under nighttime conditions characterized by low visibility caused by a sandstorm. The flight crew performed an initial approach but chose to execute a go-around after encountering difficult conditions. A subsequent NBD approach was also aborted several minutes later.

During a third landing attempt, while horizontal visibility was limited to between 2 and 3 kilometers, the aircraft's right wing made contact with the roof of a hangar because the altitude was too low. Following this impact, the plane lost control and crashed into flames approximately 1,120 meters before reaching the runway threshold. The accident resulted in 100 fatalities and left five passengers injured.

Findings

Investigations determined that the pilot descended below the minimum safe altitude without maintaining clear visual contact with the runway lights. Additionally, the crew's fatigue was identified as a contributing factor, stemming from extended working hours without adequate rest periods alongside the strain of performing three consecutive night approaches.

Probable cause

The pilot descended below the required minimum safe altitude without having the runway lights in sight, exacerbated by crew fatigue.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1969-03-20 Ilyushin II-18 accident near Aswan, Egypt?

A charter flight crashed while attempting to land at Aswan Airport during a sandstorm, resulting in 100 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1969-03-20 Ilyushin II-18 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 100 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1969-03-20 involved a Ilyushin II-18, registration SU-APC, operated by United Arab Airlines, at Aswan, Egypt.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot descended below the required minimum safe altitude without having the runway lights in sight, exacerbated by crew fatigue.

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