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15 fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Mountain Near Ercan Airport, All 15 Occupants Killed (TC-AKD)

Arapköy, CyprusLanding (descent or approach)

On February 27, 1988, a Boeing 727-200 (registration TC-AKD) operated by Talia Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Arapköy, Cyprus during landing or approach. 15 people were killed. 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
Aircraft registered TC-AKD
Aircraft registered TC-AKD. Photo: Eduard Marmet / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft descending to Ercan Airport in marginal weather struck a mountain 16 km north of the airport. The crew cancelled the IFR flight plan and descended prematurely. All 15 occupants were killed.

Accident

While preparing to land at Ercan Airport, the flight crew initiated a descent in conditions of limited visibility due to marginal weather. After receiving clearance for a VOR approach, the captain canceled the IFR flight plan and descended prematurely at an altitude of 2,000 feet. The captain elected to make a turn to avoid a nearby mountain, but the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain rising to 954 meters, located approximately 16 kilometers north of Ercan Airport.

Aftermath

The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate. All 15 occupants on board were killed. The flight was operated on behalf of JAT Yugoslav Airlines. Among the occupants were six Turkish citizens (crew), seven Yugoslav citizens, and two British citizens.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

More Boeing 727 safety records →

All Boeing 727-200 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Feb 1988 Boeing 727-200 accident near Arapköy, Cyprus?

An aircraft descending to Ercan Airport in marginal weather struck a mountain 16 km north of the airport. The crew cancelled the IFR flight plan and descended prematurely. All 15 occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Feb 1988 Boeing 727-200 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 15 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Feb 1988 involved a Boeing 727-200, registration TC-AKD, operated by Talia Airways, at Arapköy, Cyprus.

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