Aircraft crash short of Shamshernagar Airport

7 fatalities • Shamshernagar, Bangladesh • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight approaching Shamshernagar Airport crashed during its final approach, resulting in seven fatalities and multiple injuries.

What happened

During the final approach to Shamshernagar Airport, the pilot identified that the aircraft was positioned too high on the glide path. Rather than performing a go-around to reposition the plane, the pilot adjusted both propellers to ground fine pitch while maintaining a speed of 125 knots at an altitude of several hundred feet.

This configuration change caused the aircraft type to enter a rapid descent. As the plane reached approximately 20 feet above the surface, the pilot lost control of the vessel, leading to a crash just before reaching the runway. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. The accident resulted in seven fatalities and left the remaining occupants with various injuries, some of which were classified as serious.

Findings

Investigation into the incident determined that the primary factor was an improper approach configuration by the pilot-in-command. Specifically, the decision to select ground fine pitch on both propellers while still in flight instead of executing a go-around maneuver directly led to the loss of control and subsequent impact.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to apply ground fine pitch settings to both propellers during the approach instead of performing a go-around caused an uncontrolled descent.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1970-12-30 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near Shamshernagar, Bangladesh?

A flight approaching Shamshernagar Airport crashed during its final approach, resulting in seven fatalities and multiple injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1970-12-30 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1970-12-30 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?

The pilot's decision to apply ground fine pitch settings to both propellers during the approach instead of performing a go-around caused an uncontrolled descent.

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