25 fatalities

2000-07-27: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (9N-ABP) — Royal Nepal Airlines — Dhangadhi, Nepal

Dhangadhi, NepalFlight

On July 27, 2000, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration 9N-ABP) operated by Royal Nepal Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Dhangadhi, Nepal in flight. 25 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. 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 1781203368Data APIEditorial standards

During descent to Dhangadhi Airport in marginal weather and low visibility due to low clouds, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Jarayakhali at 4,300 feet, 29 km from the runway. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire, killing all 25 occupants.

Incident Details

While descending to Dhangadhi Airport, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions and limited visibility due to low clouds. At an altitude of 4,300 feet, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Jarayakhali, located 29 km from Dhangadhi Airport runway 09. The impact forces and a subsequent post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft.

Investigation

The official investigation determined that the aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. All 25 occupants were killed in the accident. The flight was operating under instrument flight rules, but the crew faced deteriorating weather conditions during the approach.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident, as stated in the official findings, is controlled flight into terrain.