What happened
On the day of the accident, the Bombardier DHC-8-402, registered S2-AGQ, was operating a flight route between Dhaka and Yangon. During the arrival phase, the aircraft established an ILS connection with the Yangon control tower at 18:16. However, due to poor weather conditions, air traffic controllers instructed the crew to perform a go-around, leading to a two-hour closure of aerodrome operations for safety reasons.
Once weather conditions improved and the airport reopened, the aircraft transitioned to an RNP approach because only the localizer was operational. While approaching runway 21, the aircraft was flying slightly above the required 3-degree glide slope. Upon touchdown on runway 21, the aircraft remained on the surface for approximately seven seconds, traveling parallel to the runway. The aircraft then lifted to an altitude of 44 feet before descending again and striking runway 03. The momentum caused the plane to slide off the runway and come to a rest in the overrun area of runway 03.
There was no fire following the impact. The structural integrity of the aircraft was severely compromised, with the fuselage breaking into three separate sections and all landing gear collapsing. All 33 people on board were evacuated, with 20 individuals sustaining injuries.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating on an unstable approach, maintaining an altitude higher than the prescribed 3-degree slope.
- Adverse weather conditions necessitated a go-around and subsequent changes to the approach procedure.
- The aircraft's path involved a transition from runway 21 to runway 03 during the excursion.