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29 fatalities

Kabul Airport Missile Strike Incident

Kabul, AfghanistanTakeoff (climb)

On November 29, 1986, an Antonov AN-12 operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Kabul, Afghanistan during takeoff. 29 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by a Stinger missile. 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 2026-09-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft was struck by a Stinger missile shortly after takeoff from Kabul Airport, resulting in a fatal crash 24 km away. All 29 occupants were killed when the plane, carrying significant ordnance, entered an uncontrolled dive.

Incident Overview

A catastrophic aviation accident occurred involving an aircraft that departed from Kabul Airport. The incident took place during the initial climb phase of the flight, occurring less than five minutes after takeoff. During this critical period of ascent, the aircraft was struck by a Stinger missile.

Crash Dynamics and Impact

Following the impact with the missile, the aircraft lost control and entered an uncontrolled dive. The vehicle subsequently crashed approximately 24 kilometers from Kabul Airport. The collision with the ground resulted in a massive explosion. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was transporting a significant payload consisting of several tons of S-24 rockets and 400 kilograms of explosives.

Casualties

The crash was fatal for everyone on board. All 29 occupants of the aircraft lost their lives in the incident.

Probable cause

Shot down by a Stinger missile.
Midair collision

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Nov 1986 Antonov AN-12 accident near Kabul, Afghanistan?

An aircraft was struck by a Stinger missile shortly after takeoff from Kabul Airport, resulting in a fatal crash 24 km away. All 29 occupants were killed when the plane, carrying significant ordnance, entered an uncontrolled dive.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Nov 1986 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 29 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Nov 1986 involved an Antonov AN-12, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Kabul, Afghanistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Shot down by a Stinger missile.

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