Fatal crash of cargo aircraft near Damascus Airport

4 fatalities • Damascus, Syria • Landing (descent or approach)

A three-engine cargo plane crashed into a mountainside during its approach to Damascus, resulting in the loss of all four crew members.

What happened

During a cargo operation traveling from Sofia to Sharjah via Damascus, an aircraft struck a mountain slope approximately 22 km from the airport. The flight was in its approach phase when the impact occurred.

The accident resulted in four fatalities, with no survivors among the crew members on board. The impact caused the total destruction of the three-engine airplane.

Findings

Investigations into the crash indicate that the crew did not maintain a sufficient altitude during the descent toward Damascus Airport. The primary factor in the accident was the failure to recognize the low altitude of the aircraft prior to impacting the terrain.

Probable cause

The crew failed to monitor and maintain an adequate altitude during the approach to the airport, leading to controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-03-23 Tupolev TU-154 accident near Damascus, Syria?

A three-engine cargo plane crashed into a mountainside during its approach to Damascus, resulting in the loss of all four crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-03-23 Tupolev TU-154 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-03-23 involved a Tupolev TU-154, registration LZ-BTB, operated by Balkan Bulgarian Airlines, at Damascus, Syria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?