No fatalities

Four-Engine Aircraft Runway Excursion at Chania-Souda Airport (157320)

Chania, GreeceLanding (descent or approach)

On September 23, 1997, a Lockheed P-3 Orion (registration 157320) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Chania, Greece during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control upon landing following a wrong approach configuration and an excessive speed. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft veered off the runway at Chania-Souda Airport after landing, losing its undercarriage. All 26 occupants escaped uninjured, and the aircraft was written off.

Incident Overview and Outcome During a landing at Chania-Souda Airport, a four-engine aircraft lost control after touchdown. The aircraft veered off the runway, lost its undercarriage, and eventually came to rest. All 26 occupants on board escaped the incident without injury. The aircraft was declared a total loss and written off. ## Official Findings The official investigation identified the probable cause of the accident as a loss of control upon landing. This loss of control followed a wrong approach configuration and an excessive speed during the approach phase. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 1997 Lockheed P-3 Orion accident near Chania, Greece?

A four-engine aircraft veered off the runway at Chania-Souda Airport after landing, losing its undercarriage. All 26 occupants escaped uninjured, and the aircraft was written off.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Sept 1997 Lockheed P-3 Orion accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 1997 involved a Lockheed P-3 Orion, registration 157320, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Chania, Greece.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control upon landing following a wrong approach configuration and an excessive speed.