What happened
While performing a takeoff roll at Colombo-Ratmalana Airport, the pilot in command identified a potential technical malfunction. In response to this suspicion, the captain initiated an aborted takeoff procedure. During this critical phase of flight, a period of confusion occurred within the cockpit, during which the co-pilot mistakenly retracted the landing gear. This action caused the aircraft to lose lift and settle onto the runway surface.
The aircraft continued to slide for several dozen meters along the runway before coming to a complete stop. Following the cessation of movement, the aircraft caught fire. The accident resulted in four fatalities among the passengers on board.