What happened
At approximately 21:08 local time, an Airbus A300 departed from Riyadh Airport, bound for Jeddah. Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was climbing through FL220, the crew received visual and audible indications of smoke within the C-3 aft cargo compartment. In response to the emergency, the flight crew began an immediate return to Riyadh.
As the aircraft continued its descent, smoke became visible in the rear of the passenger cabin, causing significant distress among those on board. During the approach, the number 2 engine throttle became stuck at 18:25:26. The aircraft successfully landed at approximately 21:36 local time and taxied off the runway to a position on an adjacent taxiway.
While stationary on the taxiway, a fire broke out that eventually consumed the entire aircraft. Despite rescue efforts involving multiple fire trucks, including units n°4 and n°6, the emergency doors could not be easily opened. The first successful opening of an emergency exit (R-2) occurred at 19:05, roughly 26 minutes after the plane had stopped and 23 minutes after engine shutdown. By the time the cabin was accessible, it was filled with smoke, and no survivors were found. The total number of fatalities was 301.
Findings
Investigations determined that a fire originated in the C-3 cargo compartment, though the specific ignition source remained unknown. The investigation highlighted several critical failures contributing to the high death toll:
- The captain failed to prepare the cabin crew for an immediate evacuation upon landing.
- The pilot did not execute a maximum stop on the runway to facilitate rapid egress.
- There was an ineffective use of the flight crew by the captain during the emergency.
- The failure of airline management to provide personnel with sufficient equipment and training for emergency response scenarios.