2 fatalities

Engine Power Loss Forces Emergency Landing on Irrawady River Sandbar Near Mandalay (XY-ADY)

Mandalay-Chanmyathazi (Annisaton), MyanmarTakeoff (climb)

On October 3, 1978, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration XY-ADY) operated by Burma Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Mandalay-Chanmyathazi (Annisaton), Myanmar during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of power on both engines during initial climb for unknown reasons. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from Mandalay Airport, both engines lost power, leading to an emergency landing on a sandy area of the Irrawady River bed. A crew member and a passenger were killed; all other occupants sustained injuries.

Incident Overview

Shortly after departing from Mandalay Airport, the aircraft experienced a loss of power from both engines while climbing. The crew initiated an altitude reduction and attempted an emergency landing on a sandy area located within the bed of the Irrawady River, approximately 6 kilometers west of the airport.

Casualties and Injuries

During the landing, a crew member and a passenger were killed. All other occupants on board were injured.

Official Findings

According to the investigation, the probable cause of the incident was a loss of power on both engines during the initial climb, for reasons that remain unknown.