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41 fatalities

Aviation Accident: Approach Deviation and Terrain Impact Near Ankara-Esenboğa Airport (TC-JAT)

Ankara, TurkeyLanding (descent or approach)

On December 23, 1979, a Fokker F28 Fellowship (registration TC-JAT) operated by Turkish Airlines - THY Türk Hava Yollari was involved in an aviation accident near Ankara, Turkey during landing or approach. 41 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew deviated from the approach course for unknown reasons. 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 struck a mountain slope about 32 km north of Ankara-Esenboğa Airport during a foggy approach, killing 41 occupants and seriously injuring four others.

Incident Overview and Weather Conditions The crew was operating an approach to Ankara-Esenboğa Airport when they encountered poor weather conditions and limited visibility caused by fog. The source does not identify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or date of the accident. ## Deviation and Impact For unknown reasons, the airplane deviated from the approach path. It struck the slope of Mt Cubuk, which is located about 32 km north of the airport. ## Casualties The accident resulted in serious injuries to one crew member and three passengers. Forty-one other occupants were killed.

Probable cause

The crew deviated from the approach course for unknown reasons.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Dec 1979 Fokker F28 Fellowship accident near Ankara, Turkey?

An aircraft struck a mountain slope about 32 km north of Ankara-Esenboğa Airport during a foggy approach, killing 41 occupants and seriously injuring four others.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Dec 1979 Fokker F28 Fellowship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 41 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Dec 1979 involved a Fokker F28 Fellowship, registration TC-JAT, operated by Turkish Airlines - THY Türk Hava Yollari, at Ankara, Turkey.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew deviated from the approach course for unknown reasons.

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