No fatalities

Go-Around Leads to Runway Excursion at Lukla Airport (9N-ABA)

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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data 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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 1991 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Lukla-Tenzing-Hillary, Nepal?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jun 1991 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jun 1991 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration 9N-ABA, operated by Royal Nepal Airlines, at Lukla-Tenzing-Hillary, Nepal.