On September 23, 1983, a Boeing 737-200 (registration A4O-BK) operated by Gulf Air was involved in an aviation accident near Abu Dhabi-Al Bateen, United Arab Emirates during landing or approach. 112 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the accident was the consequence of a bomb that exploded in the cargo compartment. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft on approach to Abu Dhabi-Al Bateen Airport exploded and crashed short of the runway, with no survivors among the 112 occupants. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire.
Accident Overview
An aircraft operating a flight from Karachi was approaching Abu Dhabi-Al Bateen Airport under good weather conditions. During the short final approach, the aircraft exploded and crashed short of the runway, subsequently bursting into flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed by the impact forces and a post-crash fire. None of the 112 occupants survived.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident, as stated in the official investigation, is that a bomb exploded in the cargo compartment, leading to the destruction of the aircraft. However, an air traffic control (ATC) controller who was working at Abu Dhabi-Al Bateen Airport at the time of the accident later reported that the aircraft had been mistakenly shot down by a surface-to-air missile. The controller indicated that UAE soldiers were performing exercises in the vicinity of Al Bateen International Airport at the time.
