What happened
During a scheduled service operating between Rangoon, Tavoy, and Mergui, an aircraft was performing its final approach to Runway 01 at the Mergui Airstrip. While descending toward the runway, the port wing of the aircraft made contact with trees. This impact led to a heavy landing approximately 820 feet before the runway threshold.
Upon contacting the ground, the starboard engine separated from the airframe. The aircraft continued to slide on its port wheels and starboard propeller for roughly 270 feet, eventually coming to a halt about 475 feet from the threshold and 50 feet from the edge of the runway. A fire ignited on the starboard side, likely triggered by electrical shorts and severed fuel lines. This blaze destroyed the forward section of the aircraft up to the rear main entrance door, though the wings remained largely intact.
While all 3 crew members and 15 passengers were successfully evacuated, two passengers suffered minor injuries. The emergency response was hindered by insufficient aerodrome firefighting resources; the local fire brigade, equipped with only 400 gallons of water, was unable to prevent the destruction of the aircraft.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the accident resulted from a pilot error in judgment. However, investigators noted that there was no specific evidence to identify the precise origin of this error, nor was there any indication that the pilot's actions were the result of negligence.