Incident Overview
Date: Sunday 19 February 1978
Aircraft Type: Lockheed C-130H Hercules
Owner/operator: Egyptian Air Force
Registration Number: SU-BAA/1270
Location: Larnaca Airport (LCA) –
ÿ Cyprus
Phase of Flight: Standing
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants:
Component Affected: DC-8 aircraftDC-8 aircraft
On February 18, 1978, terrorists infiltrated the Nicosia Hilton Hotel, resulting in the death of the editor and kidnapping of Egyptian hostages. They then forced the hostages to travel to Larnaca airport for a flight, utilizing a DC-8 and an Egyptian Air Force C-130. The operation failed to yield progress in the release of the hostages, leading to a confrontation with Egyptian forces and resulting in significant casualties.On February 18, 1978, terrorists infiltrated the Nicosia Hilton Hotel, resulting in the death of the editor and kidnapping of Egyptian hostages. They then forced the hostages to travel to Larnaca airport for a flight, utilizing a DC-8 and an Egyptian Air Force C-130. The operation failed to yield progress in the release of the hostages, leading to a confrontation with Egyptian forces and resulting in significant casualties.
Description
On February 18, 1978 two terrorists entered the Nicosia Hilton Hotel and shot and killed the editor of Egypt’s leading newspaper. They forced hostages to go with them to the airport at Larnaca for a getaway flight out of the country. They were given a DC-8 with four crew members. At the same time an Egyptian Air Force C-130 was flown in, carrying 74 commandos. The airplane landed at 18:30. When there seemed to be no progress in the release of the 11 Arab hostages. The Egyptian forces then stormed the DC-8. Cypriot forces returned fire, killing several Egyptian troops. Anti tank missiles were fired, hitting the C-130. Explosions wrecked the Hercules plane, killing three crew members inside.
Primary Cause
Terrorist activity and kidnapping.Terrorist activity and kidnapping.Share on:
