Aircraft collision with buildings following runway excursion in Afghanistan

5 fatalities • Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight operating for the US Department of State veered off the runway at Lashkar Gah Airport after an evasive maneuver, resulting in multiple fatalities.

What happened

On a mission conducted for the US Department of State, an aircraft departed from Kandahar, Afghanistan, transporting personnel from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. The flight proceeded without incident until the arrival at Lashkar Gah Airport.

Upon landing, a vehicle entered the active runway, creating an immediate hazard. In an attempt to prevent a direct impact with the truck, the pilot-in-command executed a turn. This maneuver caused the aircraft to exit the runway surface and strike several residential structures located near the airfield.

Findings

  • The incident resulted in five fatalities, including both pilots and three individuals on the ground.
  • Several other passengers sustained injuries, with some classified as serious.
  • The primary trigger for the excursion was the unauthorized crossing of the runway by a truck, which necessitated the emergency evasive action.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to avoid a collision with a vehicle crossing the active runway led to the aircraft veering off the runway and striking nearby buildings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-04-24 Antonov AN-32 accident near Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan?

A flight operating for the US Department of State veered off the runway at Lashkar Gah Airport after an evasive maneuver, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2006-04-24 Antonov AN-32 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-04-24 involved a Antonov AN-32, registration ZS-PDV, operated by Air Million Cargo, at Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to avoid a collision with a vehicle crossing the active runway led to the aircraft veering off the runway and striking nearby buildings.

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