4 fatalities

1980-09-23: Ilyushin II-76 (YI-AIO) — Iraqi Airways — Baghdad, Iraq

Baghdad, IraqLanding (descent or approach)

On September 23, 1980, an Ilyushin II-76 (registration YI-AIO) operated by Iraqi Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Baghdad, Iraq during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was destroyed by a missile or weapon fire from an Iranian Air Force F-14 Tomcat fighter. 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 1781223437Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight operating from Paris-Orly Airport was destroyed by an Iranian Air Force fighter jet during its approach to Baghdad.

What happened

A cargo transport mission originating from Paris-Orly Airport ended in a catastrophic mid-air event while approaching its destination. As the crew initiated the descent toward Baghdad Airport, the aircraft was targeted and struck by an Iranian Air Force Grumman F-14 Tomcat.

The impact caused the plane to lose all stability, resulting in an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft subsequently crashed, triggering a massive explosion upon impact with the ground. There were no survivors of the accident, as the crash resulted in 4 fatalities.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary reason for the destruction of the aircraft was that it was shot down by an Iranian Grumman F-14 Tomcat fighter jet during the final phase of its flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by a missile or weapon fire from an Iranian Air Force F-14 Tomcat fighter.