On February 8, 1993, a Tupolev TU-154 (registration EP-ITD) operated by Iran Airtour was involved in an aviation accident near Tehran-Mehrabad, Iran during takeoff. 131 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by a lack of effective communication and coordination between civilian and military air traffic controllers. 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.
A mid-air collision between a civilian airliner and an Iranian Air Force fighter jet resulted in the deaths of all occupants during takeoff and landing operations at Tehran-Mehrabad Airport.
What happened
Shortly after departing from runway 29R at Tehran-Mehrabad Airport, a Tu-154 entered into a collision with an Iranian Air Force Su-24MK fighter jet. At the time of the impact, the fighter aircraft was in the process of preparing for an arrival on runway 29L. Following the mid-air contact, both aircraft lost control and began an uncontrolled descent.
The wreckage of both planes impacted a military depot situated approximately 15 km away from the airport. The accident resulted in 131 fatalities among the passengers and crew of the airliner, as well as the deaths of both pilots on the fighter jet.
Findings
Investigations into the incident suggest that the primary reason for the collision was inadequate coordination between civil and military air traffic control services.
Probable cause
The accident was caused by a lack of effective communication and coordination between civilian and military air traffic controllers.
