Aircraft crash during go-around at Koh Samui Airport

38 fatalities • Koh Samui, Thailand • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed short of the runway threshold at Koh Samui Airport during a missed approach attempt in heavy rain, resulting in 38 fatalities.

What happened

During the final approach to runway 35 at Koh Samui Airport, the aircraft encountered intense rainfall. Due to the heavy precipitation, the crew could not visually identify the runway. In response to the low visibility, the captain executed a go-around maneuver.

As the crew applied increased power with the flaps in the fully extended position, the aircraft began to climb. However, the plane experienced a severe left roll, reaching an angle of 75°. This led to an uncontrolled descent, and the aircraft struck the ground at approximately 147 knots. The impact occurred roughly 5 km before reaching the runway threshold. The aircraft disintegrated upon hitting the surface, and all 38 occupants on board were killed.

Findings

  • The flight was operating in an area of heavy rain during the approach phase.
  • The aircraft entered an uncontrolled roll during the transition to a climb.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent following a severe roll during a go-around maneuver in heavy rain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-11-21 De Havilland DHC-8-100 (Dash-8) accident near Koh Samui, Thailand?

An aircraft crashed short of the runway threshold at Koh Samui Airport during a missed approach attempt in heavy rain, resulting in 38 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-11-21 De Havilland DHC-8-100 (Dash-8) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 38 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-11-21 involved a De Havilland DHC-8-100 (Dash-8), registration HS-SKI, operated by Bangkok Airways, at Koh Samui, Thailand.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent following a severe roll during a go-around maneuver in heavy rain.

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