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6 fatalities

Cargo Flight from Sofia to Kabul Crashes into Mountain Slope (CCCP-11104)

Kabul, AfghanistanLanding (descent or approach)

On October 28, 1980, an Antonov AN-12 (registration CCCP-11104) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kabul, Afghanistan during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew took the decision to continue the descent below the minimum safe altitude over mountainous terrain without any visual contact with ground and various obstacles, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo aircraft crashed into a mountain slope near Kabul after the crew continued descending below minimum safe altitude in low clouds, killing all six occupants.

Flight Details and Accident Sequence The aircraft was operating a cargo flight from Sofia to Kabul, with intermediate stops at Mineralnye Vody and Tashkent. During the approach to Kabul, the crew received clearance to descend to flight level 200, then flight level 180, and finally flight level 95. The crew continued the approach below the minimum descent altitude until the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Vaysi-Karnibaba, which is 2,800 meters high and located about 25.4 km from the airport. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire, and all six occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, visibility was limited due to low clouds. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the crew decided to continue the descent below the minimum safe altitude over mountainous terrain without visual contact with the ground or various obstacles. The accident was therefore classified as a controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The crew took the decision to continue the descent below the minimum safe altitude over mountainous terrain without any visual contact with ground and various obstacles, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Oct 1980 Antonov AN-12 accident near Kabul, Afghanistan?

A cargo aircraft crashed into a mountain slope near Kabul after the crew continued descending below minimum safe altitude in low clouds, killing all six occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Oct 1980 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Oct 1980 involved an Antonov AN-12, registration CCCP-11104, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Kabul, Afghanistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew took the decision to continue the descent below the minimum safe altitude over mountainous terrain without any visual contact with ground and various obstacles, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain.

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