31 fatalities

Greek Soldiers Mistakenly Shoot Down Aircraft Near Nicosia Airport, 31 Killed (52-133)

Nicosia, CyprusLanding (descent or approach)

On July 22, 1974, a Nord 2501 Noratlas (registration 52-133) operated by Hellenic Air Force - Elleniki Polemiki Aeroporia was involved in an aviation accident near Nicosia, Cyprus during landing or approach. 31 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Mistakenly shot down by friendly ground fire. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on night approach to Nicosia Airport under callsign Niki 4 was mistakenly shot down by Greek soldiers, crashing 3 km short of runway. One passenger was injured and 31 occupants killed. Official cause: friendly ground fire.

Incident

Following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, Greek troops were stationed on the island. On a night approach to Nicosia Airport, an aircraft operating under the callsign 'Niki 4' was mistakenly engaged by Greek soldiers positioned near the airport. The aircraft was shot down and crashed in flames approximately 3 kilometers short of the runway.

Casualties

A passenger on board sustained injuries, while the remaining 31 occupants of the aircraft were killed. The exact number of people on board has not been specified beyond the injured passenger and the 31 fatalities.

Official Findings

The official probable cause of the accident was determined to be a mistaken shoot-down by friendly ground fire. The soldiers, stationed by the airport, misidentified the aircraft as hostile during the night approach.