Factual Information
History of the Flight
On March 9, 2016, an AN-26B aircraft (registration S2-AGZ) operated by True Aviation Ltd was conducting a scheduled cargo flight from Cox's Bazar Airport (VGCB) to Jessore Airport (VGJR) in Bangladesh. The cargo consisted of shrimp fries in 802 boxes weighing 4800 kg. The flight plan routed via CB W4 CTG W5 JSR at FL 100. At 0258 UTC, the aircraft requested startup clearance. After engine start and taxi, takeoff clearance was given for Runway 35 at 0305 UTC. Immediately after becoming airborne, the pilot reported an engine failure, later confirming the left engine had failed, and requested an immediate return. The aircraft was cleared for a left-hand downwind, but the tower observed it turning right at a very low altitude. Emergency services were stood by. The aircraft called final and requested landing clearance, but for reasons unknown, executed a low-level go-around at approximately 400–500 feet, as confirmed by the surviving flight navigator. The ATC advised a left-hand downwind, but no response was received, and communication was lost. At 0332 UTC, the airport authority learned via other means that the aircraft had crashed about 3 km west of the airport into the sea.
Injuries to Persons
Three crew members (captain, co-pilot, flight engineer) sustained fatal injuries. The fourth crew member (flight navigator) suffered serious injuries. No passengers were on board.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was completely destroyed. Wreckage was dispersed over a large area approximately 3 km inside the sea.
Personnel Information
All four crew members were Ukrainian nationals. The captain, aged 57, held an ATPL and had 13,315 total flying hours, with 6,896 hours on type. The co-pilot, aged 27, held a CPL and had 1,438 total hours, 1,195 on type. The flight engineer, aged 36, had 3,924 total hours, 2,946 on type. The flight navigator, aged 48, had 3,924 total hours, 2,946 on type. All had valid licenses and type ratings for the AN-26B.
Aircraft Information
The AN-26B (serial number 13408) was manufactured by Kiev State Aviation Plant and entered service in 1984. It was registered in Bangladesh on July 17, 2014, with airworthiness certificate number 186. Total airframe hours were 16,379.32, with 17,299 flight cycles. Both engines were manufactured by Motor Sich. Engine No. 1 (serial H4823BT141) had 8,072 hours total run time and 1,194 hours since last shop visit on April 16, 2012. Engine No. 2 (serial H434BT022) had 7,638 hours total run time and 3,644 hours since last shop visit on November 20, 2015. The aircraft used Jet A-1 fuel, normally refueled at Chittagong.
Meteorological Information
The MET report for Cox's Bazar Airport at 0255 UTC on March 9, 2016, indicated calm wind, visibility 800 meters in fog, QNH 1010 hPa, and temperature 25°C. The weather was fit for departure, and the accident occurred in daylight.
Aids to Navigation and Communication
The airport had only NDB approach procedures. The aircraft was in communication with Cox's Bazar ATC until the go-around. ATC transcripts were provided. The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) were recovered. The CVR was internally damaged and could not be read out; the FDR was read out by the National Bureau of Air Accident and Incidents Investigation of Ukraine (NBAAI), which provided an animation of the flight.
Wreckage and Impact
The wreckage was found approximately 3 km inside the sea, dispersed over a large area.