Pakistan International Airlines Flight 740 facts for kids
Pakistan International Airlines Flight 740 was a special flight for people going on a Hajj pilgrimage. This journey is a very important religious trip for Muslims. The flight was traveling from Kano, Nigeria, to Karachi, Pakistan. It had a planned stop in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. On November 26, 1979, the Boeing 707-340C airplane crashed. This happened shortly after it took off from Jeddah International Airport. All 156 people on board died in the accident.
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What Happened?
The flight was on its way from Jeddah to Karachi. Soon after takeoff, the pilot radioed for help. He told air traffic control that smoke was filling the airplane's cabin. Smoke was also coming into the cockpit, where the pilots sit. The pilot asked to return to Jeddah International Airport right away.
The Emergency Call
About 15 minutes after the first call, air traffic controllers heard a final message. The pilot shouted "Mayday! Mayday!" This is an international signal for extreme distress. After this urgent call, the radio went silent. The airplane was no longer communicating.
The Cause of the Crash
Investigators later found out the cause of the crash. A fire had started on board the airplane. This fire led to the tragic accident.
Remembering the Event
The crash of Pakistan International Airlines Flight 740 was a very serious event. It is known as the third worst airplane crash in Saudi Arabia's history. It is also the third worst crash involving a Boeing 707 airplane.
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