EgyptAir Flight 804 Crash - May 16, 2016

On May 19, 2016, EgyptAir Flight 804 tragically crashed into the Mediterranean Sea while en route from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Cairo International Airport. The Airbus A320-232, carrying 66 individuals, including passengers and crew members, disappeared from radar screens in the early hours of the morning, leading to an extensive search and rescue operation.

Key Details

• Flight Information:

  • Aircraft: Airbus A320-232
  • Operator: EgyptAir
  • Flight Number: MS804
  • Route: Paris (CDG) to Cairo (CAI)
  • Passengers and Crew: 56 passengers, 7 crew members, and 3 security personnel

• Timeline:

  • Departure: The flight departed from Paris at 23:09 CEST on May 18, 2016.
  • Last Contact: The aircraft was last in contact with Greek air traffic control at 02:27 EEST on May 19, 2016.
  • Disappearance: The plane vanished from radar at approximately 02:29 EEST, shortly after entering Egyptian airspace.

Search and Recovery

Following the disappearance, a multinational search effort was launched, involving Egypt, Greece, France, and other countries. Debris and personal belongings were discovered in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 290 kilometers north of Alexandria, Egypt. The main wreckage and the flight data recorders were located in June 2016 by a specialized search vessel.

Investigation and Findings

The investigation into the crash was led by the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, with assistance from international bodies, including the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) and the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

• Initial Theories: Early speculation suggested a possible terrorist attack due to the sudden loss of communication and control.
• Flight Data Recorder Analysis: The analysis revealed the presence of smoke in the lavatory and avionics bay, as indicated by the aircraft’s automated systems. However, the exact cause of the crash remained undetermined for some time.
• Final Report: In 2018, the Egyptian authorities concluded that a fire in the cockpit likely led to the crash. However, the BEA suggested that the fire might have been caused by a mechanical failure, possibly linked to the aircraft’s oxygen system.

Aftermath and Impact

The crash of EgyptAir Flight 804 had significant repercussions:

• Safety Measures: The incident prompted discussions on aviation safety, particularly regarding in-flight fire detection and suppression systems.
• Diplomatic Relations: The crash strained relations between Egypt and France, as differing conclusions about the cause of the crash emerged from their respective investigations.
• Victims’ Families: The tragedy deeply affected the families of the victims, leading to calls for improved airline safety protocols and more transparent investigation processes.

The crash of EgyptAir Flight 804 remains a somber reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in ensuring aviation safety and the profound impact such tragedies have on those left behind.