What happened
During an approach to Colombo-Ratmalana Airport, an aircraft encountered poor visibility and marginal weather conditions. While flying at an insufficient altitude, the aircraft collided with the roof of a residential building. The impact caused the plane to crash upside down in a wooded region situated less than 10 km from the runway threshold.
Following the collision, the aircraft caught fire. The intensity of the post-crash flames and the force of the impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. Of the occupants on board, four people were killed immediately, and one crew member sustained serious injuries. The sole survivor succumbed to their injuries six days later, on December 18.
Findings
- The flight was operating in low visibility and marginal weather.
- The aircraft was flying at an altitude that was too low for the approach phase.