VAN — 1994 · Major Tragedy

Turkish Airlines Flight 278: The Third Approach at Van

ClosedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

On 29 December 1994, the Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-400 'Mersin', flying from Ankara to Van, made two unsuccessful approaches to Van in heavy snow and fog that had cut visibility to about 300 metres. On a third attempt, made despite warnings from air traffic control, the aircraft struck a hill near Edremit district, a few kilometres from the airport, at around 15:30. Of the 76 people on board, including 7 crew, 57 were killed and 19 survived. Fifty-five died at the scene and two later in hospital. The accident was classified as controlled flight into terrain due to pilot error in bad weather.

Date: 1994
Place: Edremit, Van
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Closed
Coordinates: 38.4300, 43.2900 ↗

Timeline of Events

29 December 1994, 13:52The aircraft left Ankara Esenboğa with 76 people aboard.
29 December 1994Two approaches failed in heavy snow and fog.

29 December 1994, 15:30On the third attempt the aircraft struck a hill near Edremit.
Aftermath57 people died and 19 survived.

Sources

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