31 fatalities

1972-12-08: Fokker F27 Friendship (AP-AUS) — Pakistan International Airlines - PIA — Sialkot (Jalkot), Pakistan

Sialkot (Jalkot), PakistanFlight

On December 8, 1972, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration AP-AUS) operated by Pakistan International Airlines - PIA was involved in an aviation accident near Sialkot (Jalkot), Pakistan in flight. 31 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781233344Data APIEditorial standards

On a flight from Gilgit to Rawalpindi, aircraft PK631 struck a snow-covered mountain near Jalkot while cruising at 9,000 feet in poor weather. All 31 occupants died. The official probable cause is controlled flight into terrain.

Accident Details

On a scheduled flight from Gilgit Airport to Rawalpindi, the aircraft operating as flight PK631 departed at 1140 local time. While cruising at an altitude of 9,000 feet in adverse weather, the airplane impacted the slope of a snow-covered mountain near Jalkot. The wreckage was discovered a few hours after the accident. None of the 31 persons on board survived.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, weather conditions were characterized by poor visibility due to low clouds and snowfall. Visibility was reported as nil.

Human Factors

Investigators noted that the flight crew lost their orientation and may have initiated a premature descent, leading to the aircraft striking the terrain.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain.