Aircraft crash during landing attempts at Dhaka-Zia Ul-Haq Airport

49 fatalities • Dhaka-Hazrat Shahjalal (ex Zia Ul-Haq), Bangladesh • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed in a swampy area short of the runway at Dhaka-Zia Ul-Haq Airport following multiple unsuccessful approach attempts in heavy rain.

What happened

During an arrival at Dhaka-Zia Ul-Haq Airport, the flight crew encountered severe weather characterized by intense rainfall and significantly reduced visibility. While attempting to land on runway 32, the captain performed a go-around due to these environmental conditions.

A subsequent attempt to land on runway 14 also resulted in a go-around maneuver. During a third landing attempt on runway 14, the aircraft descended beneath the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA). The plane subsequently impacted the ground in a marshy area situated approximately 550 meters before the runway threshold.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were 49 fatalities among the occupants of the flight.

Findings

Investigations concluded that the accident was a result of controlled flight into terrain. This occurred because the crew proceeded with the approach below the established MDA without maintaining visual contact with the runway or the ground.

Probable cause

The crew continued their descent below the minimum descent altitude without having the runway in sight, leading to a controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1984-08-05 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near Dhaka-Hazrat Shahjalal (ex Zia Ul-Haq), Bangladesh?

An aircraft crashed in a swampy area short of the runway at Dhaka-Zia Ul-Haq Airport following multiple unsuccessful approach attempts in heavy rain.

Were there any fatalities in the 1984-08-05 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 49 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1984-08-05 involved a Fokker F27 Friendship, registration S2-ABJ, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, at Dhaka-Hazrat Shahjalal (ex Zia Ul-Haq), Bangladesh.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew continued their descent below the minimum descent altitude without having the runway in sight, leading to a controlled flight into terrain.

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