Investigation Summary
The flight was a domestic service from Chittagong to Dhaka. Upon arrival at Dhaka, the crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions characterized by heavy rain and turbulence. The crew first attempted a VOR approach to runway 32, which resulted in a missed approach when the runway could not be identified. A second attempt was made using an ILS approach to runway 14, which also ended in a missed approach for the same reason. During the third attempt, which was a second try at runway 14, the aircraft was allowed to descend significantly below the required approach profile. The lack of visual cues due to the monsoon conditions prevented the crew from recognizing the proximity to the ground until impact. The aircraft crashed into a swampy area in Uttara, just short of the airport boundary.
Final Conclusions
The accident was classified as Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). The primary factors were the decision to continue the approach in weather conditions that were below minimums and the failure of the crew to monitor the aircraft's altitude and rate of descent during the final approach. The extreme weather, including heavy monsoon rain and poor visibility, significantly contributed to the crew's spatial disorientation and inability to sight the runway.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Kayes Ahmed Majumdar
Systems & Failure Modes
Instrument Landing System (ILS)
A precision radio navigation system used by the crew during the second and third landing attempts to align with runway 14.
VOR/DME
A ground-based electronic navigation aid used during the first unsuccessful approach to runway 32.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was originally operated by Indian Airlines before being gifted to Biman Bangladesh Airlines in 1972.
- 02First Officer Kaniz Fatema Roksana was the first female commercial pilot in the history of Bangladesh.
- 03The crash remains the deadliest aviation accident to occur within the borders of Bangladesh.
- 04Thirty-three of the passengers were international travelers intending to connect to flights to the Middle East.
- 05The aircraft struck the ground in a swampy area known as Uttara, near the airport.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Weather Minimums Enforcement
The accident highlighted the dangers of attempting multiple approaches in weather conditions significantly below established safety minimums, leading to stricter adherence to go-around procedures.