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Three-Engine Aircraft Strikes Trees on Final Approach to Khost Airport (YA-KAD)

Khost, AfghanistanLanding (descent or approach)

On January 25, 1972, a Yakovlev Yak-40 (registration YA-KAD) operated by Bakhtar Afghan Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Khost, Afghanistan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: For unknown reason, the crew was approaching the airport at a too low altitude to clear obstacles. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A three-engine aircraft struck tree tops 154 meters short of runway 24 at Khost Airport during final approach. The crew stopped the aircraft normally with no injuries, but it was declared damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview During final approach to Khost Airport, the crew of a three-engine aircraft did not recognize that the aircraft was at an altitude too low to clear obstacles. On short final, the aircraft struck tree tops located 154 meters short of the runway 24 threshold. After impact, the aircraft lost height and landed hard. The crew was able to stop the aircraft normally. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft was considered damaged beyond repair. ## Official Findings The official probable cause was stated as: For unknown reason, the crew was approaching the airport at a too low altitude to clear obstacles.

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