25 fatalities

1988-12-10: Antonov AN-26 — Ariana Afghan Airlines — Parachinar, Pakistan

Parachinar, PakistanFlight

On December 10, 1988, an Antonov AN-26 operated by Ariana Afghan Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Parachinar, Pakistan in flight. 25 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by the pilot of a Pakistan Air Force fighter. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781214589Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft en route from Kabul to Khost entered Pakistan airspace without permission and was shot down by a Pakistan Air Force fighter with an air-air missile. The aircraft crashed on a mountain slope near Parachinar; all 25 occupants died.

Incident Overview

An aircraft traveling from Kabul to Khost deviated from its intended route, apparently becoming lost. The aircraft subsequently entered Pakistani airspace without prior authorization. A Pakistan Air Force fighter pilot engaged the aircraft with an air-to-air missile, causing it to enter a dive and crash on the slope of a mountain in the region of Parachinar.

Casualties

All 25 occupants on board the aircraft were killed in the crash.

Official Findings

The probable cause, as stated in the official investigation, is that the aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a Pakistan Air Force fighter.