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15 fatalities

Twin Otter Mountain Strike During Descent to Bhojpur (9N-ABH)

Bhojpur, NepalLanding (descent or approach)

On December 22, 1984, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration 9N-ABH) operated by Royal Nepal Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Bhojpur, Nepal during landing or approach. 15 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the MDA. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A Twin Otter struck a mountain slope while descending to Bhojpur in marginal weather, killing 15 people and injuring 8. The official investigation found the crew began the descent too early.

Incident Overview and Casualties A Twin Otter aircraft collided with a mountain slope located a few kilometers from Bhojpur while descending in marginal weather conditions. The accident resulted in the deaths of all three crew members and 12 passengers. Eight additional individuals on board were injured. ## Official Investigation Findings The official investigation determined that the crew initiated the descent prematurely. This early descent caused the aircraft to descend below the minimum descent altitude (MDA), leading to the collision with the mountain slope. The source does not provide the aircraft registration, specific date, operator, or exact location beyond the general area near Bhojpur.

Probable cause

The crew initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the MDA.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Dec 1984 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Bhojpur, Nepal?

A Twin Otter struck a mountain slope while descending to Bhojpur in marginal weather, killing 15 people and injuring 8. The official investigation found the crew began the descent too early.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Dec 1984 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 15 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Dec 1984 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration 9N-ABH, operated by Royal Nepal Airlines, at Bhojpur, Nepal.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the MDA.

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