Aircraft impact short of Sylhet Airport during landing attempts

No fatalities • Sylhet, Bangladesh • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed 3 km from the runway threshold at Sylhet Airport after multiple failed landing attempts in heavy fog.

What happened

During an approach to Sylhet Airport, the flight crew encountered significant fog that obscured visibility. The initial attempt to land was aborted as the crew could not visually identify the runway or approach lighting systems, leading to a go-around maneuver. A subsequent landing attempt was also abandoned due to the persistent lack of visibility.

Following these unsuccessful attempts, the captain proceeded with a third approach. During this final descent, the aircraft type descended beneath the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA). The aircraft struck the ground approximately 3 km before reaching the runway threshold. The force of the impact caused the undercarriage to separate from the fuselage, and the plane broke into two sections before coming to a halt in a waterlogged area.

All 89 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage. Among the passengers and crew, 50 individuals sustained minor injuries.

Findings

The investigation concluded that the accident was a result of controlled flight into terrain. The crew continued their descent below the established MDA without maintaining visual contact with the ground or the runway environment.

Probable cause

The crew continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude without establishing visual contact with the runway, leading to an impact with the terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-12-22 Fokker F28 Fellowship accident near Sylhet, Bangladesh?

An aircraft crashed 3 km from the runway threshold at Sylhet Airport after multiple failed landing attempts in heavy fog.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-12-22 Fokker F28 Fellowship accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-12-22 involved a Fokker F28 Fellowship, registration S2-ACJ, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, at Sylhet, Bangladesh.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude without establishing visual contact with the runway, leading to an impact with the terrain.

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