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Iraqi Presidential Aircraft Crash at Basra Airport (392)

Basra, IraqLanding (descent or approach)

On April 13, 1966, a De Havilland DH.104 Dove (registration 392) operated by Iraqi Air Force - Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Iraqiya was involved in an aviation accident near Basra, Iraq during landing or approach. 7 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in a field near Basra Airport after the crew lost control during a sandstorm. All seven occupants, including Iraqi President Abdel Salam Mohammad Arif, were killed.

Incident Overview and Location Details During an approach to Basra Airport, the flight crew encountered poor visibility caused by a sandstorm. The aircraft subsequently lost control and crashed in a field located a few kilometers short of the runway. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all seven people on board were killed. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, exact date, or operator. ## Notable Passengers Among the fatalities was Abdel Salam Mohammad Arif, President of the Republic of Iraq. He was traveling with two ministers and two chiefs of staff. The source does not provide additional details about the identities of the other occupants or the specific cause of the loss of control.

Loss of control in flight

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Same operator

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