5 fatalities

1981-10-12: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (CNA-OH) — Royal Moroccan Air Force - Forces Royales Air — Gueltat Zemmour, Western Sahara

Gueltat Zemmour, Western SaharaFlight

On October 12, 1981, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration CNA-OH) operated by Royal Moroccan Air Force - Forces Royales Air was involved in an aviation accident near Gueltat Zemmour, Western Sahara in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile fired by Front Polisario forces. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781222154Data APIEditorial standards

A military reconnaissance aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile during combat operations in October 1981, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During the period of October 13 to October 29, 1981, an aircraft was performing reconnaissance duties as part of the Battle of Gueltat Zemmour. While operating in the region, the plane was struck by a surface-to-air missile. The impact caused the aircraft to crash in the vicinity of Gueltat Zemmour, where it subsequently caught fire.

There were five fatalities among the crew members on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. There were no survivors from the flight.

Findings

Investigations into the destruction of the aircraft concluded that the primary cause was an attack by ground forces. Specifically, it was determined that the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile launched by soldiers belonging to the Front Polisario.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile fired by Front Polisario forces.