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Ground Fire Damages Four-Engine Aircraft During Landing at Kandahar Airport (CCCP-11987)

Kandahar, AfghanistanLanding (descent or approach)

On January 23, 1989, an Antonov AN-12 (registration CCCP-11987) operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Kandahar, Afghanistan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Mislanding after being hit 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While descending to Kandahar Airport, a four-engine aircraft was hit by ground fire. The crew continued approach, landed hard, causing tail separation and runway veer-off. All six crew injured; aircraft destroyed.

Incident Overview

During its descent to Kandahar Airport, a four-engine aircraft came under ground fire. The crew decided to continue the approach despite the attack. The subsequent landing was hard, resulting in significant structural failure.

Landing and Aftermath

Upon touchdown, the aircraft's tail separated from the fuselage. The aircraft then veered out of control, departing the runway before coming to a stop. All six crew members aboard sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the probable cause of the accident was mislanding after being hit by ground fire on final approach.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jan 1989 Antonov AN-12 accident near Kandahar, Afghanistan?

While descending to Kandahar Airport, a four-engine aircraft was hit by ground fire. The crew continued approach, landed hard, causing tail separation and runway veer-off. All six crew injured; aircraft destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jan 1989 Antonov AN-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jan 1989 involved an Antonov AN-12, registration CCCP-11987, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Kandahar, Afghanistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Mislanding after being hit by ground fire on final approach

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