Jeddah – Riyadh

On September 25, 1959 at 02:05 PM, Jeddah – Riyadh experienced a crash involving Douglas C-54 Skymaster, operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines - SAUDIA, with the event recorded near Jeddah Makkah l-Mukarramah (<U+0645><U+0643><U+0629> <U+0627><U+0644><U+0645><U+0643><U+0631><U+0645><U+0629>).

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

72 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 72 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 5, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 67, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. The Saudia DC-4 plane took off from Jeddah for a flight to Riyadh. Immediately following lift-off, the aircraft climbed at an abnormal high rate. The flight crew were not able to push the control column forward, so full forward trim and a power reduction were used to avert a stall. The aircraft stalled however and descended at almost a 90° angle. Power was reapplied and the controls were pulled back, effecting a recovery at a very low altitude. The DC-4 then began to climb again, approaching another stall. This time the stall was averted by reducing power and a left turn. A return to the runway was impossible so a forced belly landing was carried out near the airport. The airplane was damaged beyond repair while all 72 occupants were evacuated safely.

Aircraft reference details include registration HZ-AAF, MSN 7474, year of manufacture 1944.