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Ground explosion of a Boeing 720-047B in Beirut: 1 killed
Date & Time:
Jun 27, 1976
Operator:
Registration:
OD-AGE
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Amman - Beirut
MSN:
18963/433
YOM:
1965
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
After all passengers disembarked at Beirut International Airport following a schedule service from Amman, the airplane was apparently struck by a mortar shell and exploded. A crew member was killed while two others were injured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Damaged beyond repair by a mortar shell.
Crash of a Boeing 720-023B near Al Qaysumah: 82 killed
Date & Time:
Jan 1, 1976 at 0530 LT
Operator:
Registration:
OD-AFT
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Beirut - Dubai - Muscat
MSN:
18020/165
YOM:
1960
Flight number:
ME438
Crew on board:
15
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
67
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
82
Circumstances:
The aircraft was on its way from Beirut to Dubai, cruising at an altitude of 37,000 feet by night when it disappeared from radar screens at 0530LT. The crew was unable to send any distress call. The wreckage was later found about 37 km northwest of Al Qaysumah, in the Saudi desert. Debris scattered on a wide area and none of the 82 occupants survived the crash.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the accident was the consequence of the explosion of a bomb that has been placed in the front cargo compartment. The detonation at high altitude caused an explosive decompression of the cabin and the total disintegration of the airplane.
