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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Oct 1986 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near Peshawar, Pakistan?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Oct 1986 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 13 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Oct 1986 involved a Fokker F27 Friendship, registration AP-AUX, operated by Pakistan International Airlines - PIA, at Peshawar, Pakistan.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
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.