Single-engine aircraft crash near Kathmandu

5 fatalities • Kathmandu-Tribhuvan, Nepal • Takeoff (climb)

A single-engine airplane crashed into a cornfield shortly after departing Kathmandu Airport, resulting in five fatalities.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure from Kathmandu Airport, a single-engine airplane experienced a loss of control. The aircraft descended into a nearby cornfield, where it was consumed by a post-crash fire. There were no survivors among the five fatalities on board.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the pilot did not remove a ground lock pin from one of the ailerons before takeoff. This failure to remove the aileron lock pin prevented proper control surface movement, leading to the loss of aircraft stability during the climb.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to remove a ground lock pin from an aileron prior to departure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1975-03-31 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident near Kathmandu-Tribhuvan, Nepal?

A single-engine airplane crashed into a cornfield shortly after departing Kathmandu Airport, resulting in five fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1975-03-31 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1975-03-31 involved a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter), registration 9N-AAZ, operated by Royal Nepal Airlines, at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan, Nepal.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to remove a ground lock pin from an aileron prior to departure.

Loading the flight search…