Loss of Spirit 03 during Operation Desert Storm

14 fatalities • Ras al-Khafji, Saudi Arabia • Flight

A military aircraft operating under call sign Spirit 03 was destroyed by a missile strike during Operation Desert Storm, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During the period of Operation Desert Storm, an aircraft assigned to the 16th Squadron of Special Operations was conducting a mission toward Kuwait City. Operating under the call sign Spirit 03, the flight was carrying a total of 14 personnel. While in transit, the aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile. The impact caused the aircraft to crash at a location situated approximately 110 km south of Kuwait City.

Findings

  • The aircraft was intercepted and destroyed by a surface-to-air missile.
  • There were 14 fatalities among the crew and passengers on board.
  • The incident occurred during the en route phase of flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft was downed by a surface-to-air missile strike.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-01-31 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Ras al-Khafji, Saudi Arabia?

A military aircraft operating under call sign Spirit 03 was destroyed by a missile strike during Operation Desert Storm, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1991-01-31 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-01-31 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 69-6567, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Ras al-Khafji, Saudi Arabia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was downed by a surface-to-air missile strike.

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