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3 fatalities

Night Approach Accident at Ankara-Esenboğa Airport (TC-ETI)

Ankara-Esenboğa, TurkeyLanding (descent or approach)

On February 3, 1964, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration TC-ETI) operated by Turkish Airlines - THY Türk Hava Yollari was involved in an aviation accident near Ankara-Esenboğa, Turkey during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The probable cause was the fact that the aircraft got below the prescribed altitude limits as a consequence of having deviated from the instrument flight rules. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a night approach to Ankara-Esenboğa Airport, an aircraft descended below prescribed altitude limits after deviating from instrument flight rules, striking a snow-covered mountain 12 km from the runway. The aircraft was destroyed and all three crew members were killed.

Approach

The crew initiated the approach to Ankara-Esenboğa Airport under night conditions. Air traffic control cleared the aircraft to descend from 9,000 feet to 8,000 feet for runway 03.

Accident

While operating in low visibility, the aircraft struck a snow-covered mountain located 12 km from the runway threshold. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all three crew members on board were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause: the aircraft descended below the prescribed altitude limits as a consequence of deviating from instrument flight rules.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

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