On February 3, 1989, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration XY-AEK) operated by Burma Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Yangon-Mingaladon, Myanmar during takeoff. 26 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The assumption that the loss of control during initial climb occurred after the pilot-in-command suffered a spatial disorientation was not ruled out. 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.
After takeoff from runway 03, the aircraft banked left, struck a tree, and crashed nose-down, bursting into flames. Poor visibility due to fog. 26 killed, 3 injured.
Accident
Just after takeoff from runway 03 at Yangon-Mingaladon Airport, the aircraft banked left and struck a tree located approximately 150 meters beyond the runway end. It then descended and crashed in a nose-down attitude of 3°, bursting into flames. At the time of the accident, visibility was poor due to thick fog.
Casualties
Three occupants were injured, while 26 others were killed.
Investigation
Officials investigated the accident to determine its probable cause. The official findings noted that the assumption that the loss of control during initial climb occurred after the pilot-in-command suffered spatial disorientation was not ruled out.