Lockheed 18 LodeStar accident at Heliopolis, Egypt, 4 Jan 1943 (EW986)
On January 4, 1943, a Lockheed 18 LodeStar (registration EW986) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Heliopolis, Egypt during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. However, the assumption that the aircraft was caught by downdraft (micro-burst) during the final descent was not ruled out. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. However, the assumption that the aircraft was caught by downdraft (micro-burst) during the final descent was not ruled out.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While descending to Heliopolis Airfield, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility. On final, the twin engine airplane lost altitude and crashed 3 km short of runway. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and all 11 occupants were killed, among them Air Vice-Marshal Wilfred Ashton McClaughry, his wife Lady Tedder and staff. Crew: P/O E. R. James, P/O G. G. Cowlin, Sgt N. L. Clarke, Lac A. J. W. Hurdle, Passengers: Air Vice Marshal Wilfred Ashton McCloughry, Lady Rosalinde Tedder, S/L H. W. Cleland, S/L R. G. Chester, F/Lt J. R. Ritchies, P/O W. A. Hawkins.
Probable cause (official findings): The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. However, the assumption that the aircraft was caught by downdraft (micro-burst) during the final descent was not ruled out.