14 fatalities

1991-01-31: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (69-6567) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Ras al-Khafji, Saudi Arabia

Ras al-Khafji, Saudi ArabiaFlight

On January 31, 1991, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 69-6567) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Ras al-Khafji, Saudi Arabia in flight. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by a surface-to-air missile. 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 1781212290Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft Spirit 03, with 14 personnel from the 16th Squadron of Special Operations, was shot down by a surface-to-air missile and crashed 110 km south of Kuwait City, killing all aboard.

Background

The aircraft was engaged in Operation Desert Storm, serving the 16th Squadron of Special Operations. It was operating under the call sign 'Spirit 03' and was completing a flight to Kuwait City with 14 people on board.

Incident

En route, the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. It crashed approximately 110 kilometers south of Kuwait City. All 14 occupants were killed.

Aftermath

The incident occurred during the military campaign and resulted in the loss of the entire crew and passengers. No further details about the aircraft type or specific mission parameters have been released.

Probable cause

Shot down by a surface-to-air missile.