On November 19, 1981, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration 9N-ABJ) operated by Royal Nepal Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Biratnagar, Nepal during takeoff. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost sufficient altitude during its initial climb to result in a fatal impact. 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.
A single-engine airplane crashed during its initial climb following takeoff from Biratnagar Airport, resulting in no survivors.
What happened
On the date of the accident, a single-engine airplane departed from Biratnagar Airport. Shortly after the departure, while the aircraft was performing its initial climb, it experienced a sudden loss of altitude. The descent continued until the plane impacted the ground.
There were 10 fatalities recorded in the incident, as all individuals on board perished during the crash.
Findings
The aircraft was in the climb phase of flight immediately following takeoff.
The accident occurred near the departure site at Biratnagar Airport.
The primary factor in the loss of altitude was the failure to maintain flight path during the initial ascent.
Probable cause
The aircraft lost sufficient altitude during its initial climb to result in a fatal impact.
What happened in the 19 Nov 1981 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident near Biratnagar, Nepal?
A single-engine airplane crashed during its initial climb following takeoff from Biratnagar Airport, resulting in no survivors.
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Nov 1981 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Nov 1981 involved a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter), registration 9N-ABJ, operated by Royal Nepal Airlines, at Biratnagar, Nepal.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft lost sufficient altitude during its initial climb to result in a fatal impact.
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