On June 20, 1991, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration 9N-ABS) operated by United Nations Development Programme was involved in an aviation accident near Simikot, Nepal during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft descended below the safe approach path and struck a tree before reaching the runway threshold. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine plane struck a tree during final approach to Simikot Airport, crashing 500 meters short of the runway and injuring both pilots.
What happened
The aircraft was conducting an approach to Simikot Airport when it deviated from the intended flight path. While on final approach, the pilot lost altitude control or failed to maintain the necessary glide slope, resulting in a collision with a tree located approximately 500 meters before the threshold of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to crash short of the airfield.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the premature descent below the safe approach path, leading to an obstacle strike prior to reaching the airport infrastructure. Both pilots sustained injuries as a direct result of the crash. The incident highlights the critical importance of stabilized approaches and terrain awareness during landing phases at airports with challenging geographical surroundings.
Probable cause
The aircraft descended below the safe approach path and struck a tree before reaching the runway threshold.