13 fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Dyke During Descent to Peshawar Airport (AP-AUX)

Peshawar, PakistanLanding (descent or approach)

On October 23, 1986, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration AP-AUX) operated by Pakistan International Airlines - PIA was involved in an aviation accident near Peshawar, Pakistan during landing or approach. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the copilot was under a route check at the time of the accident and failed to initiate a go around procedure as he continued the approach below MDA. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

During final approach to Peshawar Airport, an aircraft descended below MDA, struck a dyke, and crashed upside down 10 km short of runway 35, resulting in 13 fatalities and 41 injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Overview

An aircraft operating a descent to Peshawar Airport encountered limited visibility due to night conditions. The copilot, who was in command during the final approach to runway 35, descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The aircraft subsequently struck a dyke and came to rest inverted approximately 10 kilometers short of the runway.

Casualties and Damage

The impact resulted in 13 occupants being killed and 41 others sustaining injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the copilot was undergoing a route check at the time of the accident. Contributing factors included the copilot's failure to initiate a go-around procedure after continuing the approach below MDA. Additionally, the captain was distracted from monitoring the altitude and failed to properly supervise the copilot's actions.

Probable cause

It was determined that the copilot was under a route check at the time of the accident and failed to initiate a go around procedure as he continued the approach below MDA. On his side, the captain was distracted from monitoring the altitude and failed to correctly supervise the copilot actions.