23 fatalities

1967-04-17: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (5-107) — Imperial Iranian Air Force — Zarand, Iran

Zarand, IranFlight

On April 17, 1967, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 5-107) operated by Imperial Iranian Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Zarand, Iran in flight. 23 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft suffered an explosion and subsequent crash after being struck by lightning during flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781240054Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft traveling from Chiraz to Tehran exploded and crashed in stormy conditions near Zarand, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a flight proceeding from Chiraz toward Tehran, an aircraft encountered severe weather conditions characterized by heavy storms. While the plane was in its cruise phase of flight, an explosion occurred onboard. Following this event, the aircraft descended and crashed in the vicinity of Zarand.

There were 23 fatalities recorded as a result of the accident, with no survivors reported among the occupants.

Findings

Official investigations into the destruction of the aircraft suggest that the incident was triggered by an atmospheric event. The primary factor identified is that the airplane was struck by lightning during its flight through the storm, which led to the subsequent explosion and loss of control.

Probable cause

The aircraft suffered an explosion and subsequent crash after being struck by lightning during flight.