Flight Progress
Flight ME 444 departed Beirut (BEY) at 17:09 UTC and climbed to FL300. At 19:04, the aircraft reported to Bahrain Control an estimate for Dhahran (DHA) at 19:28 and was cleared to descend to FL50 over the Dhahran beacon. Weather information reported at 19:06 indicated a NNE wind of 10 knots, gusting to 16, with 0.5 nautical miles visibility (in a sandstorm).
Descent and Approach
At 19:26, the pilot reported estimating the Dhahran NDB in two minutes. At 19:28, the flight contacted Dhahran, reporting "5 000 feet descending," and was cleared for an ADF approach. The controller requested the crew to report at 4,000 feet and outbound at 2,000 feet. One minute later, the flight reported leaving 4,000 feet, and at 19:30, passing 2,500 feet and turning inbound. The crew was then cleared to final approach and requested to report reaching minimum and runway in sight.
Loss of Contact
At approximately 19:32, a short loud transmission noise was recorded by the Tower. No further messages were received from the flight.
Accident Location
The aircraft struck the sea at the completion of the procedure turn, 4 nautical miles offshore and 10 nautical miles south of Dhahran Airport.
Investigation
The investigation team concluded that there was no mechanical failure that could have caused the accident. Several theories were investigated, including erroneous radio altimeter indications as a result of the sandstorm (effects proven in tests by Air France), but the team was not able to prove any of those theories.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of this accident cannot be ascertained.