106 fatalities

2005-12-06: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (5-8519) — Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force — Tehran-Mehrabad, Iran

Tehran-Mehrabad, IranLanding (descent or approach)

On December 6, 2005, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 5-8519) operated by Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Tehran-Mehrabad, Iran during landing or approach. 106 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the engine n°4 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 1781199181Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft on a domestic flight from Tehran crashed into a residential building after reporting an engine problem, killing all 94 on board and 12 on the ground.

Accident Overview

A four-engine aircraft operating a scheduled domestic flight crashed into a residential area in Tehran, resulting in the deaths of all 94 occupants and 12 people on the ground. The aircraft had departed Tehran-Mehrabad Airport bound for Bandar Abbas, carrying 84 passengers and a crew of 10. Among the passengers were several journalists from local newspapers and Iranian National TV, who were traveling to cover military exercises.

Sequence of Events

Approximately eight minutes after takeoff, while climbing, the captain reported technical problems with engine number 4 to air traffic control and requested to return to Tehran for an emergency landing. After receiving clearance, the crew initiated a descent. However, the aircraft stalled and crashed in the Yaft Abad district, striking a nine-floor building. The impact site was located about 2 km south of the threshold of runway 29L.

Visibility and Conditions

At the time of the accident, visibility was reduced to 1,500 meters due to haze. No other weather details were provided in the official report.

Casualties and Damage

All 94 people on board—84 passengers and 10 crew members—were killed. Additionally, 12 individuals residing in the nine-floor building that was struck by the aircraft lost their lives. The building sustained severe structural damage from the impact and subsequent fire.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by the failure of engine number 4 due to unknown reasons. No other factors were cited in the probable cause.