34 fatalities

1988-11-19: Antonov AN-26 — Afghan Republican Air Force - Afghan Hanai Qurah — Parachinar, Pakistan

Parachinar, PakistanFlight

On November 19, 1988, an Antonov AN-26 operated by Afghan Republican Air Force - Afghan Hanai Qurah was involved in an aviation accident near Parachinar, Pakistan in flight. 34 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was intercepted and shot down by a Pakistan Air Force fighter jet. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781214650Data APIEditorial standards

An AN-26 aircraft traveling from Kabul to Jalalabad crashed near Parachinar, resulting in the deaths of all 34 people on board.

What happened

While performing a flight from Kabul toward Jalalabad, the crew of an AN-26 experienced mechanical difficulties. During this period of technical instability, the aircraft crossed into Pakistani airspace without receiving prior authorization. Following its entry into the restricted airspace, it is believed that a pilot from the Pakistan Air Force engaged the plane with a fighter aircraft. The subsequent crash occurred in the vicinity of Parachinar.

Search teams located the debris field the next morning. There were no survivors from the accident, as all 34 occupants on board were killed during the event.

Findings

Investigations into the incident suggest that the primary reason for the loss of the aircraft was that it was shot down by a Pakistani military fighter after entering their airspace without clearance.

Probable cause

The aircraft was intercepted and shot down by a Pakistan Air Force fighter jet.