8 fatalities

1985-02-24: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (1620) — Royal Saudi Air Force (القوات الجوية الملكية السعودية) — Riyadh-King Khaled, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh-King Khaled, Saudi ArabiaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 24, 1985, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 1620) operated by Royal Saudi Air Force (القوات الجوية الملكية السعودية) was involved in an aviation accident near Riyadh-King Khaled, Saudi Arabia during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft stalled on short final due to an insufficient speed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781218667Data APIEditorial standards

A training aircraft from the 16th squadron stalled on final approach and crashed short of the runway at Riyadh-King Khaled Airport, destroying the aircraft and killing all eight occupants.

Incident Overview

On a local training mission for the 16th squadron, the crew was approaching Riyadh-King Khaled Airport. During the final approach, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a huge explosion several hundred meters short of the runway. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all eight occupants sustained fatal injuries.

Probable Cause

The official investigation identified the probable cause as an insufficient speed leading to a stall on short final. No other contributing factors were specified.

Conclusion

The accident resulted in the complete loss of the aircraft and the death of all eight individuals on board. The investigation focused on the aircraft's speed during the final approach as the primary factor in the stall.