Military aircraft shot down during approach to Jaffna

19 fatalities • Iyakachchi, Sri Lanka • Flight

A four-engine military transport aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile while descending toward Palaly Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

A military transport aircraft was en route from Colombo to Jaffna, carrying a cargo of ammunition and weapons along with several military personnel. During the descent phase toward Palaly Airport, the four-engine aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile. The impact caused the plane to crash in the vicinity of Iyakachchi, situated approximately 45 km east of the destination airport.

There were no survivors of the incident. The crash resulted in 19 fatalities among the occupants on board.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the primary cause of the destruction was the impact of a surface-to-air missile during the aircraft's approach to the airfield.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile strike during its descent.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-07-05 Shaanxi Y-8 accident near Iyakachchi, Sri Lanka?

A four-engine military transport aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile while descending toward Palaly Airport, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1992-07-05 Shaanxi Y-8 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 19 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-07-05 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?