Incident Overview
Date: Thursday 19 March 1998
Aircraft Type: Boeing 727-228
Owner/operator: Ariana Afghan Airlines
Registration Number: YA-FAZ
Location: 15 km S of Kabul Airport (KBL) –
ÿ Afghanistan
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 45 / Occupants: 45
Component Affected: Boeing 727 passenger jetBoeing 727 passenger jet
Category: Accident
A Boeing 727 passenger jet experienced a sudden and catastrophic loss of altitude during descent over Shakh-e Barantay Mountain near Kabul, Afghanistan. The aircraft struck the mountain peak, resulting in significant damage and loss of life.A Boeing 727 passenger jet experienced a sudden and catastrophic loss of altitude during descent over Shakh-e Barantay Mountain near Kabul, Afghanistan. The aircraft struck the mountain peak, resulting in significant damage and loss of life.
Description
The Boeing 727 passenger jet operated on a flight from Sharjah, U.A.E. to Kabul, Afghanistan via Kandahar. The plane was descending for Kabul when it struck Shakh-e Barantay Mountain, 300 feet below the summit. The weather was poor with rain and snow. Shakh-e Barantay is a 8,696 ft (2,651 m) high mountain peak. Kabul airfield elevation is about 5,877 ft (1,791 m).
Primary Cause
Severe weather conditions, specifically heavy rain and snow, significantly reduced visibility and altitude, leading to a rapid and uncontrolled descent.Severe weather conditions, specifically heavy rain and snow, significantly reduced visibility and altitude, leading to a rapid and uncontrolled descent.Share on:
