On April 28, 1995, an Avro 748 (registration 4R-HVB) operated by Helitours was involved in an aviation accident near Jaffna (Palaly), Sri Lanka during landing or approach. 45 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the left engine exploded during climbout after being hit by a surface-to-air missile shot by Tamil separatists. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After takeoff from Palaly Airport, the left engine exploded, likely from a surface-to-air missile. The crew declared an emergency and attempted to return, but the aircraft lost control and crashed short of the runway, killing all 45 aboard.
Incident Overview
An aircraft operating from Palaly Airport experienced a catastrophic engine failure shortly after takeoff. During the initial climb, the left engine exploded. The flight crew immediately declared an emergency and received clearance to return to the airport.
Final Approach and Crash
As the aircraft approached the runway on a short final leg, it went out of control and crashed approximately 200 meters short of the runway. The impact resulted in a massive explosion. All 45 occupants, including 40 soldiers and two civilians, were killed.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the left engine explosion was caused by the aircraft being struck by a surface-to-air missile. The missile was attributed to Tamil separatists.