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7 fatalities

Crashed Approach at Shamshernagar Airport Due to Wrong Propeller Configuration (AP-AUV)

Shamshernagar, BangladeshLanding (descent or approach)

On December 30, 1970, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration AP-AUV) operated by Pakistan International Airlines - PIA was involved in an aviation accident near Shamshernagar, Bangladesh during landing or approach. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the pilot-in-command who selected ground fine pitch on both propellers still in flight instead of making a go-around manoeuvre. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During approach to Shamshernagar Airport, the pilot selected ground fine pitch on propellers instead of initiating a go-around, causing a high descent rate and loss of control. The aircraft crashed short of the runway, killing seven passengers.

Accident Overview

A serious accident occurred during an approach to Shamshernagar Airport. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact with the ground, resulting in the deaths of seven passengers. The remaining occupants sustained injuries, some of them serious.

Sequence of Events

While on the approach, the pilot realized that the aircraft was too high on the glidepath. At an altitude of a few hundred feet and a speed of 125 knots, the pilot selected ground fine pitch on both propellers. This action caused the aircraft to adopt a high rate of descent. At a height of 20 feet above the ground, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which then crashed short of the runway.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be: Wrong approach configuration on part of the pilot-in-command who selected ground fine pitch on both propellers still in flight instead of making a go-around manoeuvre.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Dec 1970 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near Shamshernagar, Bangladesh?

During approach to Shamshernagar Airport, the pilot selected ground fine pitch on propellers instead of initiating a go-around, causing a high descent rate and loss of control. The aircraft crashed short of the runway, killing seven passengers.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Dec 1970 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Dec 1970 involved a Fokker F27 Friendship, registration AP-AUV, operated by Pakistan International Airlines - PIA, at Shamshernagar, Bangladesh.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Wrong approach configuration on part of the pilot-in-command who selected ground fine pitch on both propellers still in flight instead of making a go-around manoeuvre.

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