1991-07-11
Nigeria Airways (operated by Nationair Canada)
Flight WT2120
Departure
King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Destination
Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria
Causation Breakdown
Recurrence Likelihood Today
Low
Regulatory enforcement of pre-flight maintenance checks has been strengthened globally. Falsification of records carries serious criminal penalties. Independent audit requirements for charter operations have been expanded.
Summary
A Hajj charter flight caught fire seconds after takeoff from Jeddah when improperly maintained tires burst and ignited hydraulic lines. Maintenance records had been falsified to conceal the deficient tires. All 261 pilgrims and crew died. The disaster led to the shutdown of Nationair Canada and a complete overhaul of Hajj charter oversight.
Cause & Investigation
Determined cause
In-flight fire from burst tires on takeoff
Under-inflated landing gear tires overheated and burst on takeoff, igniting the aircraft's hydraulic systems. A project manager had blocked required tire maintenance to keep the Hajj charter on schedule, and mechanics falsified maintenance records. The fire destroyed control systems just 2.8 km from the runway, leaving the aircraft uncontrollable. All 261 Hajj pilgrims and crew perished.
Investigation body
Saudi Arabian Civil Aviation Authority and Canadian Aviation Safety Board.
Timeline & Safety Improvements
Flight WT2120 disaster
McDonnell Douglas DC-8-61 operating for Nigeria Airways (operated by Nationair Canada). 261 fatalities, 0 survivors.
Formal investigation opened
Conducted by: Saudi Arabian Civil Aviation Authority and Canadian Aviation Safety Board.
Cause determined: In-flight fire from burst tires on takeoff
Under-inflated landing gear tires overheated and burst on takeoff, igniting the aircraft's hydraulic systems. A project manager had blocked required tire maintenance to keep the Hajj charter on schedule, and mechanics falsified maintenance records. The fire destroyed control systems just 2.8 km from the runway, leaving the aircraft uncontrollable. All 261 Hajj pilgrims and crew perished.
Improvement implemented
Saudi Arabia introduced mandatory pre-Hajj charter maintenance inspections by independent auditors.
Improvement implemented
Canadian authorities revoked Nationair's operating certificate following the investigation.
Improvement implemented
International Hajj charter safety standards were tightened, requiring pre-flight tire pressure verification.
Improvement implemented
Falsification of maintenance records was prosecuted as a criminal matter in Canada.