Ariana Afghan Airlines Flight 202
| Company type | Passenger flight |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founded | 21 November 1959 |
| Products | Air transportation |
Ariana Afghan Airlines Flight 202 (registration YA-BAG) was an international passenger service operating on 21 November 1959, connecting Lebanon to Afghanistan. The flight originated from Beirut and included scheduled stops at Mehrabad in Iran and Kandahar, ultimately destined for Kabul. Shortly after takeoff—approximately two minutes—the Douglas DC-4 aircraft collided with a hillside near Aramoun, resulting in a cabin fire that claimed the lives of 24 out of 27 individuals on board.
Investigation
The inquiry into the accident found that the flight had experienced a 20-hour delay the day before due to mechanical problems following its arrival from Frankfurt. Two main factors were considered likely contributors:
- A navigational mistake, specifically a failure to execute an early right turn, possibly caused by distraction or an error in judgment;
- An engine fire in the No. 1 engine, which led to emergency actions that diminished the plane's turning capability and climbing performance.