What happened
On the night of the accident, a four-engine aircraft known as 'Star of Maryland' departed from Cairo-Faruk Airport at 01:35 local time. The flight was initially cleared to reach an altitude of 14,000 feet. While cruising northwest at approximately 10,000 feet, the third engine ignited. Although the crew successfully feathered the propeller, they were unable to suppress the flames.
At 23:55Z, air traffic control in Cairo received a standard position report indicating the aircraft was 25 miles from the airport and expected to arrive in Rome at 0'5:30. While this message was acknowledged, the flight failed to provide the usual confirmation. Following this, communication with the aircraft ceased despite repeated attempts by multiple radio stations to establish contact.
Witnesses on the ground northwest of Cairo observed the aircraft on fire during its flight. The crew attempted to return to Cairo for an emergency landing, but the intensity of the fire increased significantly, causing the third engine to detach from the wing. The crew subsequently attempted a night emergency landing in a desert region roughly 100 km northwest of Cairo. Upon impact, the aircraft disintegrated, resulting in 55 fatalities.
Findings
Investigation into the accident revealed that the primary cause was the failure of the rear row master rod bearing in the number three engine. This mechanical failure triggered the uncontrolled fire within the power plant. The fire spread to the right wing and became so severe that the burning engine eventually fell away from the airframe during the crew's attempt to return to the airport.