Disappearance of flight from Stockholm to Belgrade

27 fatalities • Česká Kamenice, Czech Republic • Flight

A scheduled commercial flight traveling from Stockholm to Belgrade disappeared over Czechoslovakia, resulting in 27 fatalities and one survivor.

What happened

A scheduled passenger service was operating a multi-leg route originating in Stockholm, with planned stops in Copenhagen and Zagreb. While the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 33,000 feet after crossing the border into Czechoslovakia, it vanished from radar tracking. No distress signals or emergency communications were received by air traffic controllers prior to the loss of contact.

Following a search, wreckage was located in the vicinity of Česká Kamenice, situated in northern Czechoslovakia near the border with East Germany. The crash resulted in 27 fatalities. Amidst the debris, a single flight attendant was discovered alive in her seat near the tail section of the aircraft. This survivor sustained serious injuries and required 18 months of medical treatment.

Findings

Investigations into the destruction of the aircraft concluded that the disaster was the result of a terrorist attack. It was determined that individuals associated with the Croatian group known as 'Ustasji' successfully placed an improvised explosive device within the forward cargo compartment.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by a homemade bomb planted in the forward cargo hold by a terrorist group.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-01-26 Douglas DC-9 accident near Česká Kamenice, Czech Republic?

A scheduled commercial flight traveling from Stockholm to Belgrade disappeared over Czechoslovakia, resulting in 27 fatalities and one survivor.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-01-26 Douglas DC-9 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 27 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-01-26 involved a Douglas DC-9, registration YU-AHT, operated by JAT Yugoslav Airlines - Jugoslovenski Aerotransport (JAT Airways), at Česká Kamenice, Czech Republic.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by a homemade bomb planted in the forward cargo hold by a terrorist group.

Loading the flight search…