Aircraft crash in Mashhad-Neyshabur Mountain Range

88 fatalities • Mashhad, Iran • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft traveling from Dezful to Mashhad crashed into a mountain slope during its descent, resulting in the loss of all 88 people on board.

What happened

During a scheduled flight from Dezful to Mashhad, an aircraft carrying 88 individuals—comprising 80 passengers and 8 crew members—encountered a critical mechanical issue. The passenger manifest included various military personnel, including officers and their families. As the flight was performing its descent toward Mashhad Airport, the flight crew notified Air Traffic Control of an engine failure.

Shortly after reporting the malfunction, the plane impacted a mountain slope within the Mashhad-Neyshabur Mountain Range. The crash site was located approximately 24 km west of the destination airport. The impact resulted in 88 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the passengers or the crew.

Findings

  • The crew reported a loss of power in one of the engines during the approach phase.
  • The aircraft struck terrain while attempting to manage the emergency.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope following the failure of an engine during the descent phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-03-13 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Mashhad, Iran?

An aircraft traveling from Dezful to Mashhad crashed into a mountain slope during its descent, resulting in the loss of all 88 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-03-13 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 88 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-03-13 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, operated by Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, at Mashhad, Iran.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope following the failure of an engine during the descent phase.

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