9 fatalities

Aircraft Crash at Doshan Tappeh AFB During Humanitarian Mission Return (5-8532)

Doshan Tappeh AFB (Tehran), IranLanding (descent or approach)

On September 18, 1978, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 5-8532) operated by Imperial Iranian Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Doshan Tappeh AFB (Tehran), Iran during landing or approach. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure on final approach for unknown reasons. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed while returning to Doshan Tappeh AFB after a humanitarian mission. An engine failed during a go-around on final approach, resulting in nine fatalities and four serious injuries.

Incident Overview and Context The aircraft was returning to Doshan Tappeh AFB after participating in a humanitarian mission following a recent earthquake. The incident occurred during the final approach phase of the flight. The official investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the event. ## Sequence of Events During the final approach, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver. At this time, an engine failure occurred. The aircraft subsequently lost altitude and crashed. The official findings did not provide further details regarding the specific circumstances of the crash or the exact location of the impact. ## Casualties and Official Findings The crash resulted in significant casualties. Four occupants were seriously injured, while nine others were killed. The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an engine failure on final approach for unknown reasons. No other contributing factors or specific mechanical causes were identified in the official findings.