Iran Air Flight 291 Crashes in Alborz Mountains

January 21st, 1980

January 21st, 1980

Iran Air Flight 291 Crashes in Alborz Mountains
How Long Ago?

45 years, 1 month, 22 days ago

Location

Alborz Mountains, Tehran, Iran

Category

Accidents & Tragedies

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Iran Air Flight 291 Crashes in Alborz Mountains

Iran Air Flight 291, a domestic passenger flight, crashed in the Alborz Mountains while attempting to land at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran. The Boeing 727-200 aircraft encountered severe weather conditions and lost altitude rapidly. Tragically, all 128 people on board perished in the accident, marking one of the deadliest incidents involving Iranian aviation at the time.

Flight encountered severe turbulence on approach.

All 128 people on board were killed.

Search and rescue faced difficult conditions.

Led to discussions on aviation safety reforms.

What Happened?

Iran Air Flight 291 was a domestic flight operating between the city of Tabriz and Tehran, Iran. On its final approach to Mehrabad International Airport on a wintery day, the flight crew faced challenging weather conditions characterized by strong turbulence and low visibility. The Boeing 727-200 aircraft, carrying 120 passengers and 8 crew members, was in communication with air traffic control as it prepared to land when it suddenly lost altitude and crashed into the snow-covered slopes of the Alborz Mountains, just a few miles from its destination.

Search and rescue operations commenced immediately, as local authorities and rescue workers faced treacherous conditions in their attempt to reach the crash site. The remote location, combined with the harsh winter weather, complicated efforts to determine the cause of the crash and recover bodies. Investigations revealed that the flight had encountered severe wind shear and turbulence, leading to loss of control. The accident raised questions about the safety protocols and operational standards of Iranian airlines during that period, particularly concerning weather awareness and pilot training.

In the aftermath, the tragedy served as a catalyst for improvements in aviation safety regulations in Iran. It highlighted the need for enhanced pilot training, better communication with air traffic control, and the introduction of more advanced meteorological services to ensure the safety of passengers. Despite the efforts, the crash, alongside others in the same era, underscored the challenges faced by the Iranian aviation industry as it strived to keep pace with international standards amidst political and economic turmoil.

Why Does it Matter?

The crash of Iran Air Flight 291 is significant in highlighting the vulnerabilities of the Iranian aviation sector during a tumultuous period in the country’s history. It underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures and regulatory oversight within aviation, thereby prompting changes in policy. The event remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by airlines in navigating both natural and operational risks, particularly in regions prone to harsh weather conditions.

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