Investigation Summary
The aircraft was assigned to No. 8 Squadron based at SLAF Katunayake. On the morning of the accident, it initially flew from Ratmalana to Weerawila with two pilots. After landing at 08:00 local time, two additional airmen joined the crew for a surveillance mission intended to identify illegal cannabis plantations in the upcountry region. The aircraft departed Weerawila at 08:55 and crashed approximately 20 minutes later near the village of Ayspeella. The crash site was located in a valley within a mountainous region, roughly 65 kilometers north of its departure point. Weather conditions in the area were not explicitly detailed as a primary factor in initial reports, though the terrain is known for being challenging.
Final Conclusions
The Sri Lanka Air Force appointed a special investigative team immediately following the crash to determine the cause. As of the latest available grounded reports, the specific cause of the crash remains undetermined, and the investigation is ongoing.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Harbin Y-12-II
A Chinese-built high-wing twin-engine turboprop utility aircraft used by the SLAF for light transport and surveillance.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a 30-year-old twin-engine turboprop manufactured in 1990.
- 02The Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) was 0021.
- 03All four fatalities were Sri Lanka Air Force personnel, including two pilots and two observers.
- 04One person on the ground sustained injuries as a consequence of the crash.
- 05The aircraft was completely destroyed by a post-crash fire.
- 06The mission was a law enforcement support flight to identify cannabis plantations.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Investigative Committee Appointment
The Sri Lanka Air Force Commander appointed a special team to conduct a formal investigation into the crash.