North Korean Jet Crashes in Guinea-Bissau Mountains
July 1st, 1983
July 1st, 1983

How Long Ago?
41 years, 8 months, 14 days ago
Location
Fouta Djallon, Guinea-Bissau
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
- North Korea
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ilyushin Il-62
- Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport
- 1983 CAAK Ilyushin Il-62 crash
- Fouta Djallon
Tags
North Korean Jet Crashes in Guinea-Bissau Mountains
A North Korean Ilyushin Il-62M jet, en route to Conakry Airport in Guinea, crashed into the Fouta Djallon mountains of Guinea-Bissau, resulting in the loss of all 23 individuals aboard. The incident occurred under circumstances that remain largely unexplained, highlighting the inherent risks associated with aviation in challenging terrains during this period.
The aircraft was an Ilyushin Il-62M model.
All 23 passengers and crew perished in the crash.
The crash site was in the Fouta Djallon mountains.
Investigations looked into navigational and weather issues.
What Happened?
The crash of a North Korean Ilyushin Il-62M jet occurred during its flight to Conakry Airport in Guinea. The aircraft, which was transporting various passengers, including diplomats, met with tragedy in the rugged Fouta Djallon mountains of Guinea-Bissau. The Il-62M is a long-range twin-engine jetliner designed for intercontinental travel that entered service in the 1960s. At the time, North Korea maintained a presence in various sub-Saharan African countries through diplomacy and economic partnerships, making such flights necessary for facilitating these relationships. Unfortunately, this particular flight ended in disaster, with all 23 people on board losing their lives in the mountains, which are known for their challenging geography and weather patterns.Initial investigations pointed to possible factors contributing to the crash, including navigational errors or adverse weather conditions, though the exact cause remained disputed. The incident raised questions regarding the safety protocols followed by North Korean air carriers and highlighted the risks involved in operating flights in remote regions. Additionally, the event drew attention to North Korea's engagement in Africa, which was often mingled with geopolitical undertones, linking it to its broader global agenda during the Cold War.
Why Does it Matter?
This event stands out as an example of the complexities of global aviation and the international relationships at play during the Cold War, particularly between North Korea and African nations. The disaster not only shed light on the aviation infrastructure and safety measures in the region but also emphasized the strategic alliances formed during this period. The tragic loss also hinted at the necessity of improving aviation standards to prevent such occurrences.
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