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12 fatalities

Sabca S.73 accident at Oran-Ahmed-Ben-Bella (Es Senia), Algeria, 26 Jan 1937 (OO-AGR)

Oran-Ahmed-Ben-Bella (Es Senia), AlgeriaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 26, 1937, a Sabca S.73 (registration OO-AGR) operated by SABENA - Société Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne was involved in an aviation accident near Oran-Ahmed-Ben-Bella (Es Senia), Algeria during landing or approach. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were considered as good and the airplane was flying below the clouds when control was lost. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were considered as good and the airplane was flying below the clouds when control was lost. Any technical anomalies with the engines was ruled out.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane departed Colomb-Béchar at 1510LT on the leg to Oran. On approach to Oran-Es Senia Airport, while flying at a height of some 2,500 feet below the clouds, the three engine aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed some 10 km short of runway. The airplane was totally destroyed and all 12 occupants were killed. Crew: Marcel Liedts, pilot, Auguste Closset, copilot, Roger Maerschalk, radio operator, René Verfaillie, flight engineer. Passengers: Mrs. Gueldoof, Mr. Bossaert, Mr. Thommes, Mr. & Mrs. Dieudonné, Mr. Pirsoul, Mr. Gullmin +1.

Probable cause (official findings): The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were considered as good and the airplane was flying below the clouds when control was lost. Any technical anomalies with the engines was ruled out.

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