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89 fatalities

Madinah Airport Night Takeoff Crash (453)

Madinah, Saudi ArabiaTakeoff (climb)

On September 15, 1980, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 453) operated by Royal Saudi Air Force (القوات الجوية الملكية السعودية) was involved in an aviation accident near Madinah, Saudi Arabia during takeoff. 89 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine fire and explosion on takeoff for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in a desert near Madinah-Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport after an engine fire and explosion during a night takeoff, killing all 89 occupants.

Incident Overview On the night of the incident, an aircraft departed from Madinah-Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport. During the climb-out phase following takeoff, one of the engines caught fire and subsequently exploded. The crew was unable to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft crashed in flames in a desert area located near the airport. All 89 occupants on board were killed in the accident. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an engine fire and explosion on takeoff for unknown reasons. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the accident.

In-flight fire & smoke

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Sept 1980 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Madinah, Saudi Arabia?

An aircraft crashed in a desert near Madinah-Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport after an engine fire and explosion during a night takeoff, killing all 89 occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Sept 1980 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 89 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Sept 1980 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 453, operated by Royal Saudi Air Force (القوات الجوية الملكية السعودية), at Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine fire and explosion on takeoff for unknown reasons.

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