Aircraft crash near Mt Pastra during mission to support SAR operations

5 fatalities • Mt Pastra, Greece • Flight

A four-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Tanagra Airbase while en route to transport personnel for search and rescue efforts.

What happened

A multi-engine aircraft departed from Elefsis AFB, located near Athens, on a short-distance flight destined for Tanagra AFB. The mission was intended to collect a group of 80 soldiers who were assigned to assist in search and rescue operations following the December 17 crash of a Ukrainian Yak-42 near Katerini in Central Macedonia.

During the flight, the aircraft encountered heavy fog that significantly reduced visibility. While navigating through these conditions, the aircraft type struck the slope of Mt Pastra, situated approximately 24 km southwest of Tanagra Airbase. Debris from the impact was located a short distance southeast of the village of Erythres.

All five crew members on board the aircraft perished in the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor leading to the crash was controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountainside during flight in low-visibility conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-12-20 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Mt Pastra, Greece?

A four-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Tanagra Airbase while en route to transport personnel for search and rescue efforts.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-12-20 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-12-20 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 750, operated by Hellenic Air Force - Elleniki Polemiki Aeroporia, at Mt Pastra, Greece.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountainside during flight in low-visibility conditions.

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