Zone
Narayani

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 in Simara: 10 killed

Date & Time: Dec 25, 1999 at 1502 LT
Type of aircraft:
De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter
Operator:
Registration:
9N-AFL
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Simara - Kathmandu
MSN:
796
YOM:
1982
Location:
Simara
Narayani
Country:
Nepal
Region:
Asia
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
10
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Simara Airport at 1457LT on a schedule flight to Kathmandu with 10 people on board. Three minutes after takeoff, while climbing in marginal weather conditions, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Burja Lek located few km from the airport. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 10 occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, the visibility was estimated to be 5 km with low ceiling.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain after the crew failed to follow the correct route after takeoff and continued at an insufficient altitude until the aircraft collided with terrain.

Crash of a Douglas DC-3D in Hetauda: 35 killed

Date & Time: Jul 12, 1969
Type of aircraft:
Douglas DC-3
Operator:
Registration:
9N-AAP
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Kathmandu - Simara
MSN:
42956
YOM:
1946
Location:
Hetauda
Narayani
Country:
Nepal
Region:
Asia
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
32
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
35
Circumstances:
While cruising at an altitude of 7,300 feet in clouds, the twin engine airplane struck a tree located on the top of a hill and crashed in flames near the Sambri River. All 35 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain. At the time of the accident, the visibility was nil due to low clouds and the crew was unable to distinguish the mountain.

Crash of a Douglas C-47A-25-DK in Simara: 2 killed

Date & Time: Aug 30, 1955
Type of aircraft:
Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)
Operator:
Registration:
VT-AZX
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
13285
YOM:
1944
Location:
Simara
Narayani
Country:
Nepal
Region:
Asia
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
During the takeoff run, the captain saw a man crossing the runway and decided to liftoff asap. He pulled on the control column and the aircraft rotated quickly. Unfortunately, the aircraft's speed was too low and it stalled before crashing few dozen yards farther. Two crewmen were killed while a third one was seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Premature liftoff on part of the pilot-in-command.

Crash of a Douglas C-47A-20-DK Dakota III in Simara

Date & Time: May 7, 1946
Type of aircraft:
Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)
Operator:
Registration:
KG521
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
12925
YOM:
1944
Location:
Simara
Narayani
Country:
Nepal
Region:
Asia
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
14
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
After touchdown, the aircraft encountered difficulties to stop. It overran and went down and embankment before coming to a halt. While the aircraft was destroyed, all 16 occupants were rescued.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the crew adopted a wrong approach configuration, causing the aircraft to land too far down the runway.
Subscribe to Simara