Deadly Crash of Pakistan International Airlines Flight 705
May 20th, 1965
May 20th, 1965

How Long Ago?
59 years, 9 months, 23 days ago
Location
Cairo, Egypt
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
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Deadly Crash of Pakistan International Airlines Flight 705
Pakistan International Airlines Flight 705 was a domestic flight that tragically crashed upon landing at Cairo International Airport while on approach. The accident occurred due to misjudgment by the flight crew and poor visibility conditions caused by an inadvertent descent. All 121 passengers and crew aboard perished in the incident, marking one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Egypt at the time. Investigations revealed that a combination of human error and adverse weather contributed to the catastrophe.
121 fatalities, no survivors from the flight
Crash attributed to pilot error and weather conditions
Boeing 720 aircraft involved in the accident
Significant implications for aviation safety regulations
What Happened?
Pakistan International Airlines Flight 705, operated by a Boeing 720, was on a scheduled domestic route from Karachi to Cairo. While approaching Cairo International Airport, the flight encountered significant challenges related to visibility due to poor weather conditions. The flight crew attempted to land amidst these conditions but misjudged the aircraft's altitude, leading to the tragic outcome.
As the plane descended, it entered a controlled flight into terrain event. Emergency alerts were not triggered in time, and by the time the pilots realized the situation, it was too late to regain control. The aircraft crashed onto the airport's grounds, resulting in the unfortunate loss of all 121 individuals on board, which included passengers and crew members.
The aftermath of the crash initiated a thorough investigation by Egyptian authorities, focusing on cockpit procedures and pilot training. Many recommended improvements in protocols concerning landings in adverse weather to prevent recurrence. As a consequence of this incident, Pakistan International Airlines and other aviation entities worldwide adopted stricter safety measures and regulations.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of Flight 705 stands as a significant tragedy in the annals of aviation, emphasizing the critical importance of adherence to safety protocols and accurate weather assessments. This incident galvanized discussions about the efficacy of pilot training during adverse weather, inspiring regulatory changes within civil aviation. Over time, the aviation industry benefited from enhanced safety measures that would contribute to reducing the number of similar accidents in the future.
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