Fatal aircraft impact near Tachilek Airport

36 fatalities • Tachilek, Myanmar • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a hillside during its final approach to Tachilek Airport, resulting in no survivors among the 36 people on board.

What happened

Following a routine flight departing from Yangon, the aircraft was performing its descent toward Tachileik Airport. During the descent process, the captain communicated with Air Traffic Control to report that the plane had recently passed through an altitude of 9,500 feet.

As the flight continued on its final approach, the aircraft collided with the slope of Payakha hill. The impact occurred approximately 3 km before reaching the runway threshold. The collision resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and caused the deaths of all 36 occupants.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary factor in the accident was that the crew descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) for reasons that remain undetermined.

Probable cause

The flight crew descended below the prescribed minimum descent altitude prior to reaching the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-08-24 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near Tachilek, Myanmar?

An aircraft crashed into a hillside during its final approach to Tachilek Airport, resulting in no survivors among the 36 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-08-24 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 36 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-08-24 involved a Fokker F27 Friendship, registration XY-AEN, operated by Myanma Airways, at Tachilek, Myanmar.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight crew descended below the prescribed minimum descent altitude prior to reaching the runway.

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