32 fatalities

1994-03-17: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (5-8521) — Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force — Stepanakert, Azerbaijan

Stepanakert, AzerbaijanFlight

On March 17, 1994, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 5-8521) operated by Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Stepanakert, Azerbaijan in flight. 32 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by a surface-to-air missile. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781209139Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft en route from Moscow to Tehran was shot down by a surface-to-air missile over Armenia, crashing near Stepanakert Airport. All 32 occupants, including Iranian embassy employees and their families, were killed.

Incident

On a night flight from Moscow to Tehran, an aircraft was cruising over Armenia when it was struck by a surface-to-air missile. The aircraft crashed approximately 3 kilometers north of Stepanakert Airport. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all 32 individuals on board lost their lives.

Occupants

According to Iranian authorities, all passengers were employees of the Iranian embassy in Moscow traveling home with their family members. The crew complement and other specifics remain unreleased.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. No further details about the missile type, launch platform, or responsible party have been disclosed in the available findings.

Probable cause

Shot down by a surface-to-air missile.