The Crash of Arrow Airs DC-8 Flight December 12, 1985

Paper Summary:

This paper is an examination and analysis of the facts presented by both the American and Canadian investigators regarding the crash of the Arrow Airs DC-8 in December 1985. The paper begins with a recap of the crash and the possible causes that were put forth by both countries which have held to their position that it was caused by ice on the wings of the plane. The author presents evidence that this crash was caused by an explosive device, planted by terrorists and goes into great detail as to the why this theory has been so carefully guarded by both governments. This paper raises several issues about the circumstances surrounding the crash including speculation that this was a deliberate act of terrorism and presents different reports about the events leading up to the plane's departure from Egypt. It also discusses the findings of aeronautical engineers who investigated the findings at the crash site and presents testimony from the government hearings held in both Canada and the United States.

From the Paper:

"The 101st division was one of four divisions that made up the Multinational Force and Observers. The purpose of MFO was to operate checkpoints and conduct reconnaissance patrols along the international boundary lines. Every six months the troops were rotated. This was a massive undertaking and involved the cooperation of the Egyptians to insure that the utmost security precautions were taken (Sandford pg). However, from the moment the troops from the 101st were to depart from the Sinai, a sequence of events occurred that were far from normal procedure. Ras Nasrani airport had always been used as the airport of departure for the troops. But at the last minute Army officials were notified that Ras Nastrani airport could not accommodate large planes due to construction being conducted on the main runway. Therefore, the troops were flown by Egypt Air Boeing 737s to the Cairo International Airport."

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