Dive the 50-meter Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, the largest plane wreck in Aqaba, Jordan. Explore the intact cockpit, passenger cabin (with seats), and attempt the famous S-Duct penetration. Ideal for Advanced Divers.
Introduction: Diving a Wide-Body Airliner in the Red Sea
The Lockheed TriStar (L-1011) is the king of Aqaba’s artificial reefs. Intentionally sunk on August 26, 2019, by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), this massive commercial jetliner instantly became one of the world’s most unique wreck dives.
Unlike the smaller, military C-130 Hercules, the TriStar is a wide-body passenger jet, offering divers an unparalleled experience of swimming through the interior of a civilian aircraft, complete with seats and cockpit instruments.
Key Wreck Dimensions and Dive Metrics
| Feature | Detail |
| Sinking Date | August 26, 2019 |
| Aircraft Type | Lockheed L-1011 TriStar (Trijet Airliner) |
| Length/Wingspan | 50 meters (164 ft) long / 50-meter wingspan. |
| Seating Capacity | Built for up to 400 passengers. |
| Position | Rests upright on a sandy bottom, sloping slightly tail-down. |
| Dive Access | Boat Only (situated near the Old Phosphate Port). |
| Maximum Depth | 28 meters (92 ft) at the tail. |
| Shallowest Point | 15 meters (50 ft) at the nose/cockpit. |
The TriStar’s Fascinating History and Preparation
The TriStar, known in aviation history for its fierce technological rivalry with the McDonnell Douglas DC-10, was a truly revolutionary wide-body trijet aircraft.
The Superior Design: Technology Over Cost
While the DC-10 beat the TriStar to market, Lockheed focused on innovation and safety, resulting in a technically superior design that pilots adored. Key revolutionary features that set the L-1011 apart include:
- CAT-IIIB Autoland System: The TriStar was the first commercial airliner certified for Category IIIB automated landing (often referred to as “Autoland”). This groundbreaking feature allowed the aircraft to perform automatic landings even in zero-visibility (fog) conditions, providing unparalleled safety and reliability.
- The “Whisperliner” Engine: The L-1011 was powered by the innovative British Rolls-Royce RB211 three-spool turbofan engine. This design was technologically advanced for its time, making the TriStar significantly quieter than its contemporaries—earning it the nickname “The Whisperliner”.
- The S-Duct: The iconic S-shaped air intake for the tail engine was not just aesthetic; it was an aerodynamic feature designed to allow the engine to be mounted low within the fuselage, reducing overall aerodynamic drag (unlike the straight-through design of the competing DC-10). For divers, this distinct curved tunnel creates the unique, challenging, and famous S-Duct penetration route.
Decontamination and Sinking
Before sinking, the aircraft was painstakingly prepared to ensure zero environmental impact:
- Hazardous Materials Removal: All fuel, oils, lubricants, and toxic materials were meticulously removed.
- Safety Prep: The middle rows of passenger seats were taken out, and the main entry/exit doors were removed. This ensured the wide interior was open, easily lit by natural sunlight, and navigable by divers.
- Purpose: Like all of Aqaba’s artificial reefs, the TriStar was sunk to relieve diving pressure on natural coral formations and enhance the local marine habitat.
Comparative Size: Dwarfing the C-130
The sheer scale is what sets the TriStar apart. At 50 meters long with a 50-meter wingspan, it is significantly larger than the military C-130 Hercules (30m long), providing a truly massive structure for marine colonization.
Interior Exploration: What Certified Wreck Divers Can See
The intact nature of the TriStar offers unique features rarely found in other dive wrecks.
The Main Cabin and Cockpit
The plane rests upright, making entry easy for certified divers.
- Passenger Cabin: Divers can glide down the twin aisles, passing the remaining two rows of three seats, and observe overhead carry-on baggage compartments.
- The Cockpit: This area remains largely intact, with flight instruments, controls, and switches still in place, giving the eerie impression the plane is ready for takeoff.
- Galley and Toilets: The rear of the cabin includes the galley and the small toilet compartments, offering surreal exploration opportunities.
The Iconic S-Duct Penetration
The Lockheed L-1011 is a trijet, meaning it has three engines. The third engine is mounted on the rear fuselage via a unique, curved air intake known as the “S-Duct.”
- Challenge: This feature provides an advanced, confined-space swim-through.
- Route: Certified wreck divers can enter the S-Duct from the bottom of the deepest cabin section and exit via the engine intake on top of the tail fin. This is considered one of the most exciting and unique wreck penetration dives in the Red Sea.
Dive Logistics, Certification, and Conditions
| Metric | Detail |
| Visibility | Exceptional, frequently exceeding 20–30 meters |
| Water Temperature | Warm year-round, ideal for long dives. |
| Currents | Generally minimal or gentle. |
| Open Water Divers (OWD) | Can dive the exterior of the wreck (wings, nose, engines) down to 18m. |
| Advanced Open Water (AOW) | Recommended to safely reach the tail end at 28m. |
| Wreck Penetration | PADI Wreck Diver Specialty or equivalent is mandatory for entering the interior cabin and attempting the S-Duct. |
Marine Life: The Artificial Reef
The Marine life on and in the airplane, you can easily find it in this gallery you will see.
Book Your TriStar Wreck Adventure with Sea Wonders
Ready to trade your office view for an airplane cockpit? Sea Wonders Diving Center are local wreck experts offering guided tours and specialty training to ensure the safest, most stunning experience on the TriStar.
We offer:
- Daily Boat Dive Trips: The TriStar is accessible by boat only. We run daily trips often paired with the nearby C-130 Hercules or dives along the Power Station wall.
- PADI Wreck Diver Course: Utilize the TriStar’s spacious interior to earn your certification for wreck penetration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the maximum passenger capacity of the Lockheed TriStar when it was in service?
The L-1011 TriStar was originally built with a capacity for up to 400 passengers, highlighting the massive scale of the wreck underwater.
What model of engine was used on the TriStar that is still visible underwater?
The Lockheed TriStar was famous for using three Rolls-Royce RB211 engines. Although decommissioned, the casings for these large, high-bypass turbofan engines are still mounted on the wings and tail, serving as excellent photo subjects.
Why is the Lockheed TriStar wreck only accessible by boat and not from the shore?
Unlike the Cedar Pride or the C-130, the TriStar was sunk further offshore in front of the Old Phosphate Port. Its distance from the shore and location above a sloping sandy bottom necessitate boat access.
Is there any specific marine life regularly seen inside the TriStar cabin?
Yes. The well-lit, open cabin areas are often patrolled by large, predatory fish, and the interior spaces provide shelter for Moray Eels and schools of small Glassfish that gather around the cockpit and cabin ceilings.
Have additional inquiries?
SEA WONDERS are here to help. Let’s engage in a conversation.