Description

On 27 May 2017, a Let 410 UVP E-20 (9N-AKY) being operated by Goma Air on a VFR cargo charter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla as flight 409 impacted terrain close to the 527 metre-long and up-sloping runway 06 at destination during rapidly deteriorating daylight visibility after attempting to climb in landing configuration following a premature descent below runway threshold elevation. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and both pilots were fatally injured. The third occupant, described as “cabin crew” sustained serious injuries.

The wreckage of the aircraft. [Reproduced from the Official Report]

Investigation

An Accident Investigation Commission to examine and report on the circumstances of the accident was established in accordance with the Civil Aviation (Accident Investigation) Regulation (2016) of Nepal on the day after the accident occurred. The aircraft was fitted with a 25 hour FDR and a 2 hour CVR and both were recovered from the wreckage and their data successfully downloaded.

It was noted that the 48 year-old Captain, who was acting as PF for the accident flight, had accumulated 9,687 total flying hours which included 1,897 hours on type and had flown 97 hours in the month preceding the accident. The 27 year-old First Officer had a total of 1,311 flying hours which included 1,028 hours on type.