6 fatalities

1989-06-18: Antonov AN-26 (YA-BAK) — Ariana Afghan Airlines — Zabol, Iran

Zabol, IranLanding (descent or approach)

On June 18, 1989, an Antonov AN-26 (registration YA-BAK) operated by Ariana Afghan Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Zabol, Iran during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Crashed in unclear circumstances after being hijacked. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781214000Data APIEditorial standards

An Iranian security officer hijacked a flight from Kabul to Zaranj, forcing it to divert to Zabol, Iran. On approach, the captain was shot down; the copilot attempted an emergency landing in hilly terrain, resulting in five passenger fatalities.

Incident Overview

A flight en route from Kabul, Afghanistan, to Zaranj, Afghanistan, was hijacked when an Iranian security officer entered the cockpit and instructed the crew to divert to Zabol, Iran.

Hijacking and Approach

The security officer, an Iranian national, took command of the aircraft. As the flight approached Zabol, the captain was shot down. The copilot, in a state of panic, attempted to perform an emergency landing.

Crash and Fatalities

The aircraft crashed in a hilly terrain located a few kilometers from Zabol. The accident resulted in the deaths of five passengers. No information is available regarding injuries to other occupants or the crew.

Official Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the crash was that the aircraft crashed in unclear circumstances after being hijacked.