9 fatalities

1977-05-13: Antonov AN-12 (SP-LZA) — LOT Polish Airlines - Polskie Linie Lotnicze — Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut, LebanonLanding (descent or approach)

On May 13, 1977, an Antonov AN-12 (registration SP-LZA) operated by LOT Polish Airlines - Polskie Linie Lotnicze was involved in an aviation accident near Beirut, Lebanon during landing or approach. 9 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 1781227980Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine cargo plane on a flight from Warsaw to Beirut via Varna struck power cables and crashed 8 km from the runway, killing all nine crew members.

Accident Overview

A four-engine cargo aircraft operating a flight from Warsaw, Poland, to Beirut, Lebanon, with an intermediate stop in Varna, Bulgaria, crashed while approaching Beirut. The aircraft was carrying a crew of nine and a load of frozen meat.

Sequence of Events

While descending to Beirut at an altitude of 2,100 feet, the airplane struck power cables and subsequently crashed on rocky terraces located 8 kilometers from the threshold of runway 21. Upon impact, the aircraft disintegrated.

Occupants and Fatalities

All nine occupants on board were killed in the crash. The aircraft was destroyed.

Communication Issues

It was reported that air traffic control transmitted several instructions to the crew, but the crew failed to respond. This lack of response may have been due to language issues.

Investigation

The accident investigation is expected to examine all aspects of the flight, including the communication difficulties. No probable cause has been stated in available sources.