The 1980 Crash of Iran Air Flight 291: What Went Wrong?

On January 21, 1980, Iran Air Flight 291, a scheduled passenger service from Mashhad Airport to Tehran-Mehrabad Airport, tragically crashed into the Alborz Mountains during its approach to Tehran. All 128 individuals on board perished, marking it as the deadliest aviation disaster in Iran’s history at that time.

Flight Details and Aircraft Information

The ill-fated flight was operated by a Boeing 727-86, registered as EP-IRD. This aircraft, powered by three Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7B turbofan engines, was manufactured in 1968 and had been in service for over a decade. Vikipedi

Sequence of Events Leading to the Crash

On the day of the accident, Iranian air traffic controllers were on strike, leading to the cancellation of numerous domestic flights. The strike was temporarily halted at 16:00 local time, allowing flights to resume. Flight 291 departed from Mashhad at 17:40, carrying 120 passengers and eight crew members. Vikipedi

At 18:52, as the aircraft approached Tehran, air traffic control cleared the crew for a direct approach to runway 29 at Mehrabad Airport. Subsequently, at approximately 19:05, the dispatcher instructed the crew to execute a 360-degree turn to align with the Varamin non-directional beacon. During this maneuver, the aircraft deviated 17 miles north of its intended course. Despite the first officer’s observation that the VORTAC was indicating an incorrect radial, the captain did not take corrective action. At 19:11, the aircraft collided with the Alborz Mountains, approximately 29 kilometers north of Tehran, resulting in the total loss of all on board. Vikipedi

Investigation Findings and Probable Causes

The investigation into the crash identified several critical factors:

• Inoperative Navigation Aids: Both the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and ground radar at Mehrabad Airport were non-operational at the time of the accident, severely impairing the crew’s ability to execute a safe approach. Vikipedi
• Pilot Error: The flight crew deviated from the approved Air Traffic Service (ATS) route, opting for a direct approach without proper clearance. Additionally, the unauthorized 360-degree turn over the Varamin beacon, without informing air traffic control, contributed to the navigational error. Aviation File
• Adverse Weather Conditions: The approach was conducted under challenging weather conditions, including fog and snow, which further complicated navigation and visibility. Vikipedi

Legal and Regulatory Aftermath

In the wake of the disaster, the head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority, along with five other officials, faced manslaughter charges. This legal action underscored the severity of the lapses in aviation safety protocols and the accountability of regulatory bodies. Vikipedi

Impact on Aviation Safety and Regulations

The crash of Iran Air Flight 291 served as a catalyst for significant reforms in Iran’s aviation industry. It highlighted the critical need for:

• Enhanced Training: Improving the training programs for flight crews and air traffic controllers to ensure strict adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Investing in reliable and functional navigation aids, such as ILS and ground radar systems, to support safe flight operations.
• Regulatory Oversight: Strengthening the oversight mechanisms of aviation authorities to enforce compliance with safety standards and operational protocols.

These measures aimed to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies and to bolster the overall safety of air travel within the region.

Conclusion

The Iran Air Flight 291 disaster remains a poignant reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in aviation. It underscores the imperative of robust training, reliable infrastructure, and stringent regulatory oversight to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The lessons learned from this tragedy have contributed to shaping safer skies for future generations.

Reference:

• “Iran Air Flight 291.” Aviation Safety Network. https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19800121-0

• “Iran Air Flight 291.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_Air_Flight_291
• Civil Aviation Organization of Iran. Final Report on the Accident to Iran Air B727-86 Aircraft Registration EP-IRD Near Yazd on January

Image source:
By Uli Elch F135-8 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51295117