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.
What happened in the 28 Apr 1995 Avro 748 accident near Jaffna (Palaly), Sri Lanka?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Apr 1995 Avro 748 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 45 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Apr 1995 involved an Avro 748, registration 4R-HVB, operated by Helitours, at Jaffna (Palaly), Sri Lanka.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
It was determined that the left engine exploded during climbout after being hit by a surface-to-air missile shot by Tamil separatists.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…