14 fatalities

Cargo Aircraft Struck by Gunfire on Approach to Kandahar, Ammunition Explosion Kills 14 Soldiers

Kandahar, AfghanistanLanding (descent or approach)

On July 12, 1985, an Antonov AN-12 operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Kandahar, Afghanistan during landing or approach. 14 people were killed. 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 cargo aircraft carrying ammunition was hit by small-arms fire while approaching Kandahar Airport. After landing, it veered off the runway, collided with obstacles, and caught fire. All six crew escaped, but 14 soldiers killed in explosion.

Incident

A cargo aircraft, transporting a load of ammunition and six crew members, was on approach to Kandahar Airport when it was struck by small-arms fire. Despite the hit, the crew continued the approach and landed the aircraft.

Post-Landing Events

After touching down, the aircraft veered off the runway, collided with obstacles, and caught fire. All six crew members managed to escape the aircraft safely.

Explosion and Casualties

Fourteen soldiers who attempted to extinguish the fire, unaware of the ammunition cargo, were killed when the ammunition exploded. The firefighting efforts were undertaken without knowledge of the hazardous nature of the load.

Aftermath

The incident resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of 14 military personnel. The crew survived without reported injuries. The investigation would focus on the sequence of events from the small-arms fire to the explosion.