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80 fatalities

Aircraft Crash in Residential Area Near Tripoli International Airport (HL7328)

Tripoli, LibyaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 27, 1989, a Douglas DC-10 (registration HL7328) operated by Korean Air was involved in an aviation accident near Tripoli, Libya during landing or approach. 80 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The official findings identified crew fatigue due to lack of proper sleep, which affected mental concentration and performance. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a house 2.4 km short of Tripoli International Airport runway 27 after an approach in poor visibility. The accident killed 80 people and injured 124 aboard, with additional ground casualties.

Approach and Impact Details The approach to Tripoli International Airport was completed in weather below minima, with visibility fluctuating between 100 and 800 feet. The ILS for runway 27 was unserviceable. During short final, the crew did not recognize that the aircraft's altitude was too low. The aircraft struck the roof of a house, stalled, and crashed in a residential area located 2.4 km short of the runway. The accident resulted in the deaths of four crew members, 70 passengers, and six people on the ground. One hundred twenty-four people aboard the aircraft were injured, along with several dozen people on the ground.

Probable cause

The official findings identified crew fatigue due to lack of proper sleep, which affected mental concentration and performance. This led to the captain failing to make a proper weather and NDB approach briefing, the flight crew continuing the approach in bad visibility below company and Jeppesen minima for an NDB approach and failing to follow prescribed procedures, the flight crew failing to grasp the actual visibility information given by the ACC as 50 metres, and the F/O and F/E failing to follow the Captain's instructions. Additionally, the available GPWS failed to maintain the warning while the aircraft was still in a dangerous situation regarding terrain collision, and flight crew simulator training was conducted on an aircraft simulator differently equipped from the crashed aeroplane, especially in the GPWS.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jul 1989 Douglas DC-10 accident near Tripoli, Libya?

An aircraft crashed into a house 2.4 km short of Tripoli International Airport runway 27 after an approach in poor visibility. The accident killed 80 people and injured 124 aboard, with additional ground casualties.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jul 1989 Douglas DC-10 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 80 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jul 1989 involved a Douglas DC-10, registration HL7328, operated by Korean Air, at Tripoli, Libya.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The official findings identified crew fatigue due to lack of proper sleep, which affected mental concentration and performance. This led to the captain failing to make a proper weather and NDB approach briefing, the flight crew continuing the approach in bad visibility below company and Jeppesen minima for an NDB…

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