49 fatalities

Aircraft accident near Nyaung-U Airport (XY-AEL)

Nyaung-U (Bagan), MyanmarLanding (descent or approach)

On October 11, 1987, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration XY-AEL) operated by Burma Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Nyaung-U (Bagan), Myanmar during landing or approach. 49 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a mountain slope during descent while navigating through heavy rain and poor visibility. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its descent to Nyaung-U Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During an approach to Nyaung-U Airport, which serves the Bagan archaeological area, the flight crew was performing a descent when the aircraft collided with terrain. The incident occurred at an altitude of approximately 1,500 feet while the plane was flying roughly 32 km away from its destination.

The impact took place on the slope of a mountain. There were 49 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported from the crash site.

Findings

At the time of the accident, the flight was operating in conditions of reduced visibility caused by intense rainfall. This heavy precipitation significantly obscured the view during the descent phase of the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope during descent while navigating through heavy rain and poor visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Oct 1987 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near Nyaung-U (Bagan), Myanmar?

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its descent to Nyaung-U Airport, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Oct 1987 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 49 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Oct 1987 involved a Fokker F27 Friendship, registration XY-AEL, operated by Burma Airways, at Nyaung-U (Bagan), Myanmar.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope during descent while navigating through heavy rain and poor visibility.