On March 25, 1978, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration XY-ADK) operated by Burma Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Yangon-Mingaladon, Myanmar during takeoff. 48 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft failed to maintain sufficient altitude following takeoff, leading to a collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine airplane crashed into a wooded area shortly after departing Yangon-Mingaladon Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 48 people on board.
What happened
Following its departure from Yangon-Mingaladamente Airport, a twin-engine aircraft experienced significant issues maintaining altitude. The plane failed to climb sufficiently after takeoff and subsequently collided with treetops situated approximately 150 meters beyond the runway threshold. Upon impact, the aircraft entered a stall and crashed into a forested region, where it was consumed by fire.
The accident resulted in 48 fatalities, leaving no survivors among the passengers or crew. The wreckage of the aircraft was completely destroyed during the event.
Findings
The aircraft encountered difficulty gaining altitude immediately after takeoff.
The collision with vegetation led to a loss of control and subsequent fire.
Probable cause
The aircraft failed to maintain sufficient altitude following takeoff, leading to a collision with trees.