Crash of an Antonov AN-26 in Anuradhapura: 40 killed

Date & Time: Mar 30, 2000
Type of aircraft:
Antonov AN-26
Operator:
Registration:
UR-79170
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Palaly - Colombo
MSN:
47313410
YOM:
1980
Location:
Anuradhapura
North Central Province (வட மத்திய மாகாணம்)
Country:
Sri Lanka
Region:
Asia
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
36
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
40
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed Jaffna-Palaly Airport on a flight to Colombo, carrying mostly Marines officers. While in cruising altitude, the pilot reported an engine fire and diverted to Anuradhapura Airport. On approach, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in a wooded area located 14,5 km from the airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all 40 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The aircraft was shot down by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) surface-to-air missile.

Crash of an Avro 748-357-2B in Palaly: 52 killed

Date & Time: Apr 29, 1995 at 0845 LT
Type of aircraft:
Avro 748
Operator:
Registration:
4R-HVA
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Anuradhapura - Palaly
MSN:
1768
YOM:
1979
Location:
Jaffna (Palaly)
Northern Province (வட மாகாணம்)
Country:
Sri Lanka
Region:
Asia
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
49
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
52
Circumstances:
The aircraft was completing a flight from Anuradhapura to Jaffna-Palaly Airport on behalf of the Sri Lanka Air Force. On final approach, at an altitude of 3,000 feet, the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile and crashed in a huge explosion. All 52 occupants were killed, among them 44 soldiers, two policemen, three journalists and three crew members.
Probable cause:
Shot down by a surface-to-air missile fired by Tamil separatists.
Subscribe to Anuradhapura