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6 fatalities

Training Flight Crash at Gyandzha Airport Caused by Gunfire from Soldiers (4K-87504)

Gyandzha, AzerbaijanLanding (descent or approach)

On May 15, 1997, a Yakovlev Yak-40 (registration 4K-87504) operated by Azerbaijan Airlines - AZAL Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Gyandzha, Azerbaijan during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A group of Azeri soldiers returning along the highway from the range to the barracks wanted to have fun and were shooting at road signs. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight crashed at Gyandzha Airport after soldiers shot at the aircraft, causing oxygen bottle explosions, fire, and pilot incapacitation. Six crew killed.

Incident Overview

A crew was completing a local training flight at Gyandzha Airport. They had performed three full-stop landings and one touch-and-go manoeuvre. After completing a circuit, the crew was attempting a new approach when the aircraft nosed down to an angle of 70° and crashed 5,160 metres short of the runway and 93 metres to the left of its extended centerline. The aircraft disintegrated on impact. All six crew members were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that a group of Azeri soldiers returning along the highway from the range to the barracks wanted to have fun and were shooting at road signs. When they saw the airplane, they shot towards it. Two bullets punched oxygen bottles, which exploded, causing a fire and intoxicating the pilots, who lost control of the airplane.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 May 1997 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident near Gyandzha, Azerbaijan?

A training flight crashed at Gyandzha Airport after soldiers shot at the aircraft, causing oxygen bottle explosions, fire, and pilot incapacitation. Six crew killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 May 1997 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 May 1997 involved a Yakovlev Yak-40, registration 4K-87504, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines - AZAL Airlines, at Gyandzha, Azerbaijan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A group of Azeri soldiers returning along the highway from the range to the barracks wanted to have fun and were shooting at road signs. When they saw the airplane, they shot towards it and two bullets punched oxygen bottles which exploded, causing a fire and intoxicating the pilots who lost control of the airplane.

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