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14 fatalities

Aircraft shot down near Kandahar Airport

Kandahar, AfghanistanTakeoff (climb)

On July 11, 1985, an Antonov AN-12 operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Kandahar, Afghanistan during takeoff. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was struck and downed by a surface-to-air missile during its climb. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile shortly after departing from Kandahar Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure from Kandahar Airport, a four-engine aircraft was struck by a projectile. The impact of a surface-to-air missile caused the plane to crash approximately 22 km away from the airfield. Upon hitting the ground, the wreckage ignited, resulting in a large fire.

There were 14 fatalities recorded in the accident, as all individuals on board perished during the event. No survivors were identified at the crash site.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the destruction of the aircraft was the direct result of being shot down by a surface-to-air missile during its ascent.

Probable cause

The aircraft was struck and downed by a surface-to-air missile during its climb.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jul 1985 Antonov AN-12 accident near Kandahar, Afghanistan?

A four-engine aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile shortly after departing from Kandahar Airport, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jul 1985 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jul 1985 involved an Antonov AN-12, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Kandahar, Afghanistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was struck and downed by a surface-to-air missile during its climb.

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