Zone
Al Sharqia

Crash of a Lockheed C-60 LodeStar IA in RAF Bilbeis

Date & Time: Mar 14, 1944
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed C-60 LodeStar
Operator:
Registration:
HK980
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
2024
YOM:
1940
Location:
Bilbeis
Al Sharqia
Country:
Egypt
Region:
Africa
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
During the take off run, the pilot attempted to rotate but the aircraft did not respond. Crew decided to abandon the take off procedure but the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway, overrun and came to rest into a ditch. While all occupants escaped unhurt, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Lockheed 18 LodeStar II in Bilbeis: 13 killed

Date & Time: Oct 22, 1942 at 1530 LT
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed 18 LodeStar
Operator:
Registration:
EW984
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Bilbeis – Lydda
Location:
Bilbeis
Al Sharqia
Country:
Egypt
Region:
Africa
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
10
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
13
Circumstances:
After take off from Bilbeis, the captain decided to make a low pass over the Officer's Mess. While flying at a height of eight feet, the aircraft hit the tent with its left wing tip that broke away. The aircraft overturned and crashed in a huge explosion. All 13 occupants were killed while there was no casualties on ground.
Probable cause:
Pilot error.

Crash of a Lockheed 18 LodeStar I in Bilbeis

Date & Time: Sep 18, 1942
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed 18 LodeStar
Operator:
Registration:
AX687
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Training
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Bilbeis - Bilbeis
MSN:
18-2017
YOM:
1940
Location:
Bilbeis
Al Sharqia
Country:
Egypt
Region:
Africa
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
While circling around Bilbeis Airport on a training exercise, the crew was forced to attempt a belly emergency landing following a dual engine failure. While the aircraft was damaged beyond repair, both occupants were unhurt.
Probable cause:
It appears the crew inadvertently feathered both props during flight.
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