Aircraft shot down over Armenia during flight from Moscow to Teh…

Aircraft shot down over Armenia during flight from Moscow to Tehran

32 fatalities • Stepanakert, Azerbaijan • Flight

An aircraft traveling from Moscow to Tehran was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile while flying over Armenia, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a nighttime flight from Moscow to Tehran, an aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile while maintaining cruising altitude over Armenian airspace. The impact caused the plane to crash approximately 3 km north of Stepanakert Airport. There were 32 fatalities in the accident, with no survivors reported among the occupants.

According to reports from Iranian officials, the passengers on board were staff members of the Iranian embassy in Moscow, traveling back to their home country accompanied by their families.

Findings

Investigations by authorities indicated that the destruction of the aircraft was the result of being hit by a surface-to-air missile during the cruise phase of the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile strike while in flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-03-17 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Stepanakert, Azerbaijan?

An aircraft traveling from Moscow to Tehran was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile while flying over Armenia, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1994-03-17 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 32 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-03-17 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 5-8521, operated by Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, at Stepanakert, Azerbaijan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?