January 7, 2003

An Egyptian Boeing 737 charter flight crashed into the Red Sea, leading to the deaths of all 148 people on board.

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt | Flash Airlines

Watercolor painting based depiction of An Egyptian Boeing 737 charter flight crashed into the Red Sea, leading to the deaths of all 148 people on board. (2003)

Flash Airlines Flight 604 Crash

On January 3, 2004, a tragic aviation disaster occurred when Flash Airlines Flight 604, a Boeing 737-300, crashed into the Red Sea, resulting in the deaths of all 148 passengers and crew on board.

Incident Overview

  • Date: January 3, 2004
  • Aircraft: Boeing 737-300
  • Operator: Flash Airlines, an Egyptian charter airline
  • Flight Origin: Sharm El Sheikh Airport, Egypt
  • Intended Destination: Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, with a planned stopover at Cairo International Airport
  • Fatalities: 148 (all 135 passengers and 13 crew members)

Flight Details

Flight 604 was scheduled to transport mainly European tourists, many of whom were French nationals, returning from a holiday in Sharm El Sheikh, a popular resort destination on the Sinai Peninsula.

Sequence of Events

  • The aircraft took off from Sharm El Sheikh at approximately 04:44 local time.
  • Minutes after takeoff, the plane reportedly encountered difficulties, which led to abnormal movements.
  • Shortly afterward, the aircraft rapidly lost altitude and ultimately crashed into the Red Sea, approximately nine miles from the coastline.

Investigation and Findings

The crash prompted an investigation by Egyptian authorities, with assistance from international aviation experts and the French aviation safety bureau, BEA. The findings included:

  • Pilot Error: The investigation concluded that spatial disorientation and subsequent pilot error were the primary causes. The crew failed to manage a steep right bank that led to loss of control.
  • Training and Procedures Issues: The report highlighted deficiencies in pilot training and operational procedures at Flash Airlines. Concerns over the airline’s history of poor maintenance and regulatory oversight were raised.

Aftermath and Safety Implications

  • The crash of Flight 604 resulted in scrutiny of Flash Airlines’ operations, ultimately leading the company to cease operations the same year.
  • Broader aviation safety measures were reinforced, focusing on improved pilot training programs, especially concerning spatial orientation and emergency response protocols, to prevent future incidents.

Memorial and Impact

The disaster had profound impacts, particularly in France, where it was mourned as one of the deadliest accidents involving French citizens. Memorial services were held in both Egypt and France, emphasizing the tragic loss and fostering international calls for improved air travel safety standards.

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

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