London – Valetta – Cairo
Flight / Schedule
London – Valetta – Cairo
Aircraft
Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)Registration
G-AGHR
MSN
10097
Year of Manufacture
1943
Date
October 24, 1945 at 12:00 AM
Type
CRASHFlight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Takeoff (climb)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Crash Location
Valetta All Malta
Region
Europe • Malta
Crash Cause
Technical failure
Narrative Report
On October 24, 1945 at 12:00 AM, London – Valetta – Cairo experienced a crash involving Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), operated by British Overseas Airways Corporation - BOAC, with the event recorded near Valetta All Malta.
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.
16 people were known to be on board, 9 fatalities were recorded, 7 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 56.3%.
Crew on board: 3, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 13, passenger fatalities: 9, other fatalities: 0.
The listed crash cause is technical failure. Shortly after takeoff from Valetta-Luqa Airport, while in initial climb, an engine failed. The aircraft stalled and crashed in flames near the runway end. Nine passengers were killed while seven others were seriously injured.
Aircraft reference details include registration G-AGHR, MSN 10097, year of manufacture 1943.
Fatalities
Total
9
Crew
0
Passengers
9
Other
0
Crash Summary
Shortly after takeoff from Valetta-Luqa Airport, while in initial climb, an engine failed. The aircraft stalled and crashed in flames near the runway end. Nine passengers were killed while seven others were seriously injured.
Cause: Technical failure
Occupants & Outcome
Crew On Board
3
Passengers On Board
13
Estimated Survivors
7
Fatality Rate
56.3%
Known people on board: 16
Operational Details
Schedule / Flight
London – Valetta – Cairo
Flight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Takeoff (climb)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Region / Country
Europe • Malta
Aircraft Details
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National Aviation Displays
Handley Page H.P.30
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