Aircraft crash during diversion to Wadi Halfa

No fatalities • Wadi Halfa, Sudan • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed in a desert area while attempting to land at Wadi Halfa Airport following a diversion from Cairo.

What happened

During an approach to Cairo International Airport, the flight crew received notification regarding adverse weather conditions at their intended destination. In response to these conditions, the decision was made to divert the flight to Wadi Halfa Airport, located approximately 900 km south of Cairo.

As the aircraft type (unspecified) was performing its final approach to the Wadi Halfa runway, a simultaneous loss of power occurred across all four engines. This engine failure led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to impact the ground in a desert region situated roughly five kilometers before reaching the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the aircraft being destroyed, though there were no fatalities among the 16 occupants, who sustained only minor injuries.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary reason for the loss of power across all engines was fuel exhaustion.

Probable cause

The simultaneous failure of all four engines was caused by the depletion of fuel reserves.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1962-03-16 Vickers Viscount accident near Wadi Halfa, Sudan?

An aircraft crashed in a desert area while attempting to land at Wadi Halfa Airport following a diversion from Cairo.

Were there any fatalities in the 1962-03-16 Vickers Viscount accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1962-03-16 involved a Vickers Viscount, registration SU-AID, operated by United Arab Airlines, at Wadi Halfa, Sudan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The simultaneous failure of all four engines was caused by the depletion of fuel reserves.

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