1 fatality

Training Flight Crashes After Dual Engine Failure on Final Approach (AP-ATO)

Karachi-Muhammad Ali Jinnah-Quaid-e-Azam, PakistanLanding (descent or approach)

On December 15, 1978, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration AP-ATO) operated by Pakistan International Airlines - PIA was involved in an aviation accident near Karachi-Muhammad Ali Jinnah-Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Overtemperature of both engines, resulting in their simultaneous failure. This was caused by malfunction of the contact switches of No.1 engine propeller automatic flight safety pitch lock withdrawal system and the pilot's failure to withdraw the locks… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a training mission involving stall tests, a crew experienced simultaneous loss of both engines on final approach, leading to a stall and crash. The copilot was seriously injured and the captain was killed.

Accident Overview

A training flight conducting stall tests at Karachi-Quaid-e-Azam Airport ended in a crash after both engines lost power simultaneously on final approach. The aircraft stalled, and despite the crew's efforts to regain control, it impacted the ground. The copilot sustained serious injuries, while the captain was killed.

Circumstances

The crew was performing local training maneuvers, specifically stall tests, in the vicinity of the airport. While on final approach, both engines ceased to operate at the same time. The aircraft subsequently stalled. The crew attempted to recover control, but the airplane crashed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation identified the probable cause as overtemperature of both engines, which led to their simultaneous failure. This overtemperature condition was attributed to a malfunction of the contact switches in the No.1 engine propeller automatic flight safety pitch lock withdrawal system. Additionally, the pilot failed to manually withdraw the locks by placing the HP fuel cock levers in the 'lockout' position, as required.