What happened
Following a routine flight from Karachi, the aircraft arrived at Palam at 1902 hours. After undergoing a standard service inspection, the plane was refueled and loaded for its scheduled return journey to Karachi. Documentation indicated a takeoff weight of 41,589 lbs; however, subsequent investigations found an error in the recorded empty weight, establishing the actual gross takeoff weight at 41,319 lbs, which remained below the maximum allowable limit.
The departure sequence began at 2018 hours. The aircraft accelerated down the runway and became airborne during the latter portion of the strip. Shortly after liftoff, a fire was detected near the western edge of the airfield. An eyewitness from the crash response team observed the plane climbing to approximately 50 feet before noticing the landing lights tilting downward as the aircraft lost altitude. Fearing an imminent impact, the crew chief directed emergency responders toward the site.
Emergency tenders arrived at the scene within approximately eight minutes, but a large-scale fire was already underway. The impact and subsequent flames resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. The accident caused 23 fatalities, including 4 crew members, 17 passengers, and 2 individuals near the site. Additionally, 9 passengers and one other person sustained serious injuries.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the pilot failed to correctly monitor and interpret flight instruments during the night departure, which led to an unintended descent into the ground when no visual references were available. It was also noted that the pilot's physical health may have contributed to a delayed reaction to the aircraft's changing attitude.