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19 fatalities

Colombo–Jaffna Military Flight Shot Down Near Iyakachchi (CR-872)

Iyakachchi, Sri LankaFlight

On July 5, 1992, a Shaanxi Y-8 (registration CR-872) operated by Sri Lanka Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Iyakachchi, Sri Lanka in flight. 19 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by a surface-to-air missile. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine military aircraft carrying 19 personnel, weapons, and ammunition was shot down by a surface-to-air missile while descending to Jaffna (Palaly) Airport, killing all aboard.

Incident Overview A four-engine aircraft departed Colombo on a flight to Jaffna, carrying military personnel, weapons, and ammunition. While descending to Jaffna (Palaly) Airport, the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile and crashed near Iyakachchi, approximately 45 km east of Jaffna Airport. All 19 occupants were killed. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be the aircraft being shot down by a surface-to-air missile. No registration, specific aircraft type, operator, or date is provided in the source material. ## Casualties All 19 occupants on board were killed in the crash.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 1992 Shaanxi Y-8 accident near Iyakachchi, Sri Lanka?

A four-engine military aircraft carrying 19 personnel, weapons, and ammunition was shot down by a surface-to-air missile while descending to Jaffna (Palaly) Airport, killing all aboard.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jul 1992 Shaanxi Y-8 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 19 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jul 1992 involved a Shaanxi Y-8, registration CR-872, operated by Sri Lanka Air Force, at Iyakachchi, Sri Lanka.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Shot down by a surface-to-air missile

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