Ariana Afghan Airlines Flight 701 was a scheduled passenger flight from Kabul, Afghanistan, to London Gatwick Airport. On approach to the airport, the aircraft encountered severe conditions that hampered its landing. Witnesses in Fernhill, West Sussex reported seeing the airplane struggling in the air, which prompted emergency response teams to rush to the scene upon impact. It emerged that the aircraft crashed in a nearby field, claiming the lives of all 50 people aboard, including crew members and passengers. This tragic accident highlighted some of the pressing concerns surrounding aviation safety protocols at that time, particularly for international flights operating in adverse weather conditions.

Investigations into the crash began almost immediately, with the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) taking the lead. Their findings pointed to multiple factors contributing to the accident, including pilot error under challenging circumstances. The lessons learned from Flight 701's crash prompted various countries and airlines to reassess their safety measures, resulting in enhanced training programs and stricter regulations for flight crews operating under duress. In addition, numerous advancements in aircraft technology were spurred due to the tragedy, leading to significant improvements in navigation and communication systems.

The incident also served as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of aviation during a time when aircraft were becoming more prevalent in global travel. Despite the advancements made in aviation technology, accidents were still common, underscoring the need for ongoing evaluation of safety practices in the rapidly growing industry. The crash of Flight 701 remains an important case study for aviation safety experts and those involved in air travel regulation, as well as a marker of evolving airline industry standards in the latter half of the 20th century.