Date & Time:
Oct 12, 1981
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed C-130 Hercules
Operator:
Registration:
CNA-OH
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Survey / Patrol / Reconnaissance
Survivors:
No
Site:
Desert
MSN:
4717
YOM:
1977
Country:
Western Sahara
Region:
Africa
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
5
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
0
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
5
Circumstances:
The aircraft was engaged in a reconnaissance mission and taking part to the Battle of Gueltat Zemmour (13 to 29 October 1981), carrying five crew members. En route, the airplane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile and crashed near Gueltat Zemmour, bursting into flames. All five crew members were killed.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the airplane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile fired by soldiers from the Front Polisario.
