No fatalities

Bagram AFB Aircraft Incident: Ground Fire Impact During Final Approach

Bagram AFB, AfghanistanLanding (descent or approach)

On September 16, 1983, an Antonov AN-12 operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Bagram AFB, Afghanistan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Struck by ground fire on final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft struck by ground fire during final approach to Bagram AFB veered off the runway and collided with two parked Mil Mi-6 helicopters. All five crew members escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview

During a final approach to Bagram Air Force Base (AFB), a four-engine aircraft encountered an unexpected hazard when it was struck by ground fire. The impact particularly affected the nose gear, compromising the aircraft's stability and control systems just before touchdown.

Collision Details

Upon making contact with the runway, the aircraft became uncontrollable due to the damage sustained from the fire. It subsequently veered off the designated runway surface. As it left the paved area, the aircraft collided with two Mil Mi-6 helicopters that were parked nearby. The force of the impact and the preceding fire resulted in significant structural damage to the four-engine plane.

Outcome and Casualties

Despite the severity of the collision and the fire damage, all five crew members on board successfully evacuated the aircraft. Reports indicate that none of the personnel sustained injuries during the incident. However, the extent of the damage to the four-engine aircraft was such that it was declared beyond repair, rendering it unserviceable.

Probable cause

Struck by ground fire on final approach.