No fatalities

Aircraft crash during approach to Bamyan Airport (YA-GAY)

Bamyan, AfghanistanLanding (descent or approach)

On January 8, 1985, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration YA-GAY) operated by Bakhtar Afghan Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Bamyan, Afghanistan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed short of the runway while attempting to land at Bamyan Airport, resulting in no injuries to those on board.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight into Bamyan Airport, a twin engine aircraft impacted the ground several hundred meters before reaching the runway threshold. The impact occurred under circumstances that remain undetermined at this time.

Despite the severity of the crash, all 20 occupants on board were able to evacuate the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft sustained significant damage during the event and was subsequently declared a total loss.

Findings

The specific reasons for the descent into the ground prior to reaching the runway have not yet been established by investigators.