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3 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Strikes Mountain in Nuristan, Three Killed (78-23135)

Nuristan, AfghanistanFlight

On October 13, 2009, a Beechcraft C-12 Huron (registration 78-23135) operated by United States Army was involved in an aviation accident near Nuristan, Afghanistan in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of a crew error (navigation error) or a possible technical problem. A possible hostile act was ruled out. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a counter-narcoterrorism operation struck a mountain slope in Nuristan, Afghanistan. All three crew members were killed. The wreckage was found 7 days later, with rescuers arriving on October 27.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft departed Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan for a counter-narcoterrorism operation over Nuristan province. The aircraft carried three crew members. Under unknown circumstances, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain.

Wreckage and Rescue

The wreckage was spotted seven days after the accident. Rescuers arrived at the site on October 27. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact.

Crew

The three crew members on board were all killed. They were identified as CIV Randolph Bergquist, CIV J. B. Anderson, and CIV Jeff Lehner. Their roles were not specified.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the accident was believed to be the consequence of a crew error (navigation error) or a possible technical problem. A possible hostile act was ruled out.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Oct 2009 Beechcraft C-12 Huron accident near Nuristan, Afghanistan?

A twin-engine aircraft on a counter-narcoterrorism operation struck a mountain slope in Nuristan, Afghanistan. All three crew members were killed. The wreckage was found 7 days later, with rescuers arriving on October 27.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Oct 2009 Beechcraft C-12 Huron accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Oct 2009 involved a Beechcraft C-12 Huron, registration 78-23135, operated by United States Army, at Nuristan, Afghanistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was the consequence of a crew error (navigation error) or a possible technical problem. A possible hostile act was ruled out.

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