Incident Overview
Over the lower Persian Gulf, a heavy bomber launched a C.601 anti-shipping missile at a target identified as either the Danish tanker 'Kirsten Maersk' or an Iranian warship. In response, an F-14A fighter of the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) of the Iranian Air Force, piloted by Captain G. Esmaeli, engaged the bomber with an AIM-54A air-to-air missile. The bomber was struck, lost control, and crashed into the sea. All six crew members on board the bomber were killed.
Aircraft and Personnel
Details regarding the type, registration, or origin of the heavy bomber were not specified in the official source. The Iranian fighter was an F-14A, operated by the 81st TFW. The pilot of the F-14A was Captain G. Esmaeli.
Weaponry
The bomber employed a C.601 anti-shipping missile in its attack. The F-14A successfully engaged the bomber using an AIM-54A air-to-air missile.
Casualties and Damage
The bomber crashed into the sea, resulting in the deaths of all six crew members. No other damage or casualties were reported in the source.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the incident, as stated in the official findings, was that the aircraft was shot down by the pilot of an Iranian fighter.