No fatalities

Cargo Plane Stalls and Crashes on Approach after Bird Avoidance Maneuver (HB-FIP)

Al Furt, YemenLanding (descent or approach)

On December 4, 1985, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration HB-FIP) operated by Zimex Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Al Furt, Yemen during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of the following: - Inappropriate flight technique, - The last turn was completed below lift speed, - Turbulences and windshear may have been contributing factors. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine cargo aircraft stalled and crashed on short final after the pilot executed a downwind right-hand base turn to avoid birds near the runway threshold. The pilot was seriously injured and the aircraft destroyed.

Accident Overview

A cargo flight operating from Riyan to Aden, with an intermediate stop in Al Furt, ended in a crash during the approach phase. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was conducting the landing at the destination airport.

Sequence of Events

While approaching runway 35, the pilot observed large birds standing near the runway threshold. In response, he decided to perform a downwind right-hand short base landing to avoid the birds. During the short final approach, the single-engine airplane stalled and subsequently crashed. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot sustained serious injuries.

Probable Cause

Official investigation findings indicate that the accident resulted from inappropriate flight technique, specifically that the last turn was completed below lift speed. Turbulence and wind shear may have been contributing factors.