No fatalities

1991-06-09: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (9N-ABA) — Royal Nepal Airlines — Lukla-Tenzing-Hillary, Nepal

Lukla-Tenzing-Hillary, NepalLanding (descent or approach)

On June 9, 1991, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration 9N-ABA) operated by Royal Nepal Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Lukla-Tenzing-Hillary, Nepal during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781211959Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered 9N-ABA
Aircraft registered 9N-ABA. Photo: Albert Backer / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During a go-around due to deteriorating weather, an aircraft on second approach encountered low clouds, misaligned, bounced, veered off the runway, and came to rest in a ravine. All 17 occupants were injured and the aircraft destroyed.

Incident Overview

An aircraft descending to Lukla Airport experienced deteriorating weather conditions, prompting the captain to execute a go-around and enter a holding pattern. After a few minutes, the captain assessed that conditions had improved and initiated a second approach.

Approach and Impact

On short final, the aircraft entered a layer of low clouds. The aircraft was not properly aligned with the runway when it struck the surface, causing it to bounce. Subsequently, the aircraft went out of control, veered off the runway, and came to rest in a ravine.

Occupants and Damage

All 17 occupants sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.