119 fatalities

2002-02-12: Tupolev TU-154 (EP-MBS) — Iran Airtour — Khorramabad, Iran

Khorramabad, IranLanding (descent or approach)

On February 12, 2002, a Tupolev TU-154 (registration EP-MBS) operated by Iran Airtour was involved in an aviation accident near Khorramabad, Iran during landing or approach. 119 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew failed to follow the approach procedures and the company SOP's. This caused the aircraft to deviate from the approach path by 3 nm to the north when it struck the mountain that was shrouded in clouds. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781202067Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on descent to Khorramabad Airport struck a mountain in poor visibility, killing all 119 occupants. The crew deviated from the approach path due to failure to follow procedures.

Accident Overview

An aircraft operating an uneventful flight from Tehran began its descent to Khorramabad Airport's runway 11 in bad weather conditions. During the approach, the crew lost situational awareness due to poor visibility and failed to recognize that the aircraft had deviated from the intended course. The aircraft subsequently struck the slope of a mountain located a few kilometers northeast of the city of Sarab-e Dowreh, approximately 25 kilometers northwest of the runway 11 threshold.

Wreckage and Impact

The wreckage was discovered several hours later on a snow-covered rock wall. The aircraft disintegrated upon impact, and all 119 occupants, including four Spanish citizens, were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) after the crew failed to follow the approach procedures and the company's standard operating procedures (SOPs). This failure caused the aircraft to deviate from the approach path by 3 nautical miles to the north when it struck the mountain, which was shrouded in clouds. The lack of visibility due to poor weather conditions was identified as a contributing factor.