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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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data 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

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