Aircraft Shot Down by Surface-to-Air Missile After Takeoff from Khost Airport (YA-BAL)

Incident Overview About 30 seconds after takeoff from Khost Airport, the aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile while in initial climb. The impact rendered the aircraft out of control, and it subsequently dove into the ground, crashing and bursting into flames. ## Casualties The accident resulted in the deaths of 53 occupants. Two passengers sustained serious injuries. ## Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was that the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. ## Location The incident occurred shortly after departure from Khost Airport, during the initial climb phase of flight.