What happened
During a night departure from Madinah-Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport, the aircraft experienced a critical mechanical failure while in the climb phase. One of the engines ignited and subsequently exploded shortly after takeoff.
Following the engine explosion, the crew was unable to perform an emergency landing procedure. The aircraft descended into a desert region situated in close proximity to the airport, where it impacted the ground and caught fire. The accident resulted in 89 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the primary factor in the crash was an engine fire and explosion occurring during the takeoff sequence. The specific underlying reason for the engine failure remains undetermined.