Night Approach Accident at Colombo-Bandaranaike Airport (EX-005)

Incident Overview and Approach Phase Following a routine cargo flight from Dubai, the crew initiated a night descent to Colombo-Bandaranaike Airport under good weather conditions. The approach was conducted using GPS and DME navigation systems. After receiving clearance to descend to Flight Level 150, the crew was provided with the local QNH and QFE values for Colombo, which were 1009 mb and 756 mm Hg, respectively. ## Altimeter Error and Initial Impact During the approach, the copilot incorrectly entered 765 mm Hg into the altimeters instead of the correct 756 mm Hg. This error resulted in the aircraft descending below its intended altitude. At a distance of 14 km from the airport, the aircraft was only 60 metres above sea level. The descent continued until the undercarriage struck the water surface at a point 10.7 km from the threshold of runway 04. ## Recovery and Landing Following the water impact, the captain initially initiated a go-around procedure. However, at an altitude of approximately 60 to 90 metres, the captain decided to continue the approach. Anticipating potential damage to the undercarriage, the captain executed a belly landing. The aircraft touched down 50 metres to the right of the main runway and 450 metres past the threshold. It subsequently slid for 2,230 metres before coming to a complete stop. ## Outcome All seven occupants on board escaped the incident without injury. The aircraft sustained damage that was assessed as beyond repair.