A300 Has Mixed History

A300 Has Mixed History

NewsMax.com Wires
Monday, Nov. 12, 2001

The A-300 is made by Airbus Industrie, a European consortium and has been a popular midsize aircraft for many countries operating regional airlines since production began in the 1970s. American Airlines has 35 of the craft.

Airbus spokesman Jerome Rondeau told United Press International he had no knowledge of previous mechanical problems involving the aircraft.

However, the aircraft has been involved in four non-terrorism related incidents in the 1990s and four highly publicized incidents involving fatalities.

On Sept. 28, 1992, Pakistan International Airlines A300-B4 crashed near Katmandu, Nepal. Reduced visibility and crew error were blamed. All 12 crew and 155 passengers were killed.

On April 26, 1994, a China Airlines A300-600 crashed near Nagoya, Japan. Crew error was blamed; 15 crew and 249 of the 264 passengers were killed.

On Sept. 26, 1997, a Garuda Indonesian Airways A300-B4 cashed near Medan, Indonesia. Reduced visibility was blamed. All 12 crew members and 222 passengers were killed.

On Feb. 16, 1998, China Airlines A300-600 crashed near Taipei, Taiwan, during its second landing attempt. Reduced visibility was blamed. All 15 crew and 182 passengers were killed.

The A300 has also been affected by violent attacks.

On June 27, 1976, Air France A300 was hijacked to Entebbe, Uganda. All aboard were taken hostage. An Israeli commando raid freed most. Seven of the 258 passengers were killed.

On July 3, 1998, Iranair A300 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile from the U.S.S. Vincennes near the Straits of Hormuz. All 16 crew and 274 passengers were killed.

On Dec. 24, 1994, Air France A300 was hijacked to Algiers, Algeria; 3 of the 267 passengers were killed. Commandos later stormed the aircraft and killed four hijackers.

On Dec. 24, 1999, Indian Airlines A300 was hijacked from Katmandu, Nepal shortly after takeoff. One of the 173 passengers was killed.