13 fatalities

Night Go-Around Ends in Fatal Crash Near Cairo West Airbase (67-0030)

Jabal al Mansuriyah AFB (Cairo West AFB / Sphinx Intl), EgyptLanding (descent or approach)

On November 12, 1980, a Lockheed C-141 Starlifter (registration 67-0030) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Jabal al Mansuriyah AFB (Cairo West AFB / Sphinx Intl), Egypt during landing or approach. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Weather conditions were good at the time of the accident and no mechanical anomalies were found on the aircraft, its equipments and engines. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a night descent to Cairo West AFB, a go-around was initiated, followed by a visual traffic pattern at 2,000 feet. The aircraft banked left, descended, and crashed northwest of the airbase, killing all 13 occupants.

Accident

An uneventful flight from Ramstein Air Base was nearing its end as the crew began a night descent to Cairo West Air Base. The captain decided to execute a go-around and proceeded to follow a visual traffic pattern at an altitude of 2,000 feet. While turning to join the approach path, the aircraft banked left and descended until it struck the ground. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate approximately 3 kilometers northwest of the airbase. All 13 occupants on board were killed.

Investigation

Investigators determined that weather conditions at the time of the accident were good. No mechanical anomalies were found on the aircraft, its equipment, or its engines. However, it was reported that the runway light system installed by the British Calvert System was considered a contributing factor. No further details regarding this finding were provided.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause stated that weather conditions were good and no mechanical anomalies were found, but the runway light system installed by British Calvert System was considered a contributing factor.