Loss of aircraft near Al-Dimass during Beirut to Damascus flight

9 fatalities • Al-Dimass, Syria • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight transporting United Nations personnel and equipment was destroyed by surface-to-air missiles while approaching Damascus.

What happened

A special mission flight traveling from Beirut to Damascus crashed in the vicinity of Al-Dimass. The aircraft was tasked with transporting logistical supplies along with personnel from the United Nations. During the descent phase toward Damascus Airport, the plane was struck by three Syrian surface-to-air missiles. This event occurred during a period of active military engagement between Syrian forces and Israeli fighter jets near the Lebanese border.

The impact of the missiles resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and caused nine fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants.

Findings

Investigations concluded that the loss of the aircraft was the direct result of being shot down by Syrian surface-to-air missiles during its approach to the destination airport.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by three Syrian surface-to-air missiles during its descent into Damascus.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-08-09 De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo accident near Al-Dimass, Syria?

A flight transporting United Nations personnel and equipment was destroyed by surface-to-air missiles while approaching Damascus.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-08-09 De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-08-09 involved a De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo, registration 115461, operated by Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF, at Al-Dimass, Syria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by three Syrian surface-to-air missiles during its descent into Damascus.

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