Aircraft overrun at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan International Airport

15 fatalities • Kathmandu, Nepal • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a ravine after overrunning the runway during an aborted landing attempt at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan.

What happened

During an approach to Kathmandu-Tribhuvan, the aircraft touched down on the runway with excessive speed. The impact of the landing caused the plane to bounce multiple times across the runway surface before eventually settling firmly.

Shortly after the initial touchdown, the pilot-in-command applied increased engine power in an effort to execute a go-around maneuver. However, the momentum of the aircraft led it to overshoot the end of the runway, resulting in a crash into a nearby ravine. The accident resulted in 15 fatalities (including 14 on board and one individual on the ground) and 19 injuries.

Findings

  • The landing was performed at an unsafe velocity.
  • The decision to apply power for a go-around after the aircraft had already bounced and settled contributed to the runway excursion.

Probable cause

An attempt to perform a go-around following a high-speed, bouncing touchdown led to the aircraft overrunning the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1956-05-15 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Kathmandu, Nepal?

An aircraft crashed into a ravine after overrunning the runway during an aborted landing attempt at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan.

Were there any fatalities in the 1956-05-15 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 15 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1956-05-15 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration VT-DBA, operated by Indian Airlines, at Kathmandu, Nepal.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An attempt to perform a go-around following a high-speed, bouncing touchdown led to the aircraft overrunning the runway.

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