Disappearance of aircraft during positioning flight from Mitiga to Algiers

2 fatalities • Mitiga, Libya • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft disappeared from radar and lost contact with air traffic control while climbing through 7,000 feet during a repositioning flight over the Mediterranean Sea.

What happened

During a scheduled positioning flight traveling from Mitiga Airport to Alargiers, an aircraft vanished from radar surveillance. The incident occurred while the plane was in its initial climb phase, specifically as it reached an altitude of 7,000 feet. At this moment, all communication between the crew and air traffic control services was severed.

Following the loss of contact, search and rescue operations were launched to locate the missing flight. These efforts continued for eight days; however, the mission was ultimately terminated after no wreckage or debris was located. It is widely suspected that the aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean Sea, leaving no trace of the airframe or those on board.

Findings

No official investigation could be completed due to the total absence of wreckage. The primary factor in the disappearance remains the sudden loss of radar contact and communication during the climb phase.

Probable cause

The cause of the disappearance remains undetermined because no trace of the aircraft or crew was recovered following the search operations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-01-16 Lockheed L-1329 JetStar accident near Mitiga, Libya?

An aircraft disappeared from radar and lost contact with air traffic control while climbing through 7,000 feet during a repositioning flight over the Mediterranean Sea.

Were there any fatalities in the 1983-01-16 Lockheed L-1329 JetStar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-01-16 involved a Lockheed L-1329 JetStar, registration 5A-DAR, operated by Libyan Government, at Mitiga, Libya.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the disappearance remains undetermined because no trace of the aircraft or crew was recovered following the search operations.

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