Aircraft crash during approach at airport

4 fatalities • Chiang Mai, Thailand • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed short of the runway threshold after an unstable approach, resulting in four fatalities.

What happened

During an initial attempt to land on runway 36, the pilot-in-command encountered heavy fog that significantly reduced visibility. Due to these conditions, the decision was made to abort the landing attempt and instead perform a low pass over the airfield.

Shortly after this maneuver, the aircraft received clearance to approach runway 18. During this second approach, the pilot attempted to use three roads as visual references but mistakenly identified the incorrect road. As the aircraft reached the final approach phase, it became unstable and developed a left bank. This movement caused the left engine to make contact with the ground. The aircraft crashed approximately 200 meters before reaching the runway threshold and came to a complete stop.

Findings

  • The flight was characterized by an unstable approach during the final phase of flight.
  • Navigational errors occurred when the pilot used incorrect ground landmarks for orientation.
  • The accident resulted in four fatalities.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an unstable flight state and banked into the ground following a navigational error during the final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1967-12-27 Douglas DC-3 accident near Chiang Mai, Thailand?

An aircraft crashed short of the runway threshold after an unstable approach, resulting in four fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1967-12-27 Douglas DC-3 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1967-12-27 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration HS-TDH, operated by Thai Airways International, at Chiang Mai, Thailand.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an unstable flight state and banked into the ground following a navigational error during the final approach.

Loading the flight search…