Crash: Agni D228 at Bastipur on Aug 24th 2010, technical problems
By Simon Hradecky, d Tuesday, Aug 24th 2010 08:22Z, last d Tuesday, Aug 24th 2010 10:34Z
An Agni Air Dornier Do-228, registration 9N-AHE performing flight AG-101 from Kathmandu to Lukla (Nepal) with 11 passengers and 3 crew, was enroute about 20 minutes into the 45 minutes flight, when the crew reported technical problems and decided to return to Kathmandu. About 5 minutes later radio and radar contact was lost with the aircraft at approximately 07:30L (01:45Z). The aircraft was later found in Bastipur (Makwanpur District) at an altitude of about 9000 feet about 18nm southsouthwest of Kathmandu, all occupants perished in the crash.
Authorities reported, that the wreckage is scattered within a diameter of about 100 meters (330 feet). Rescue and Recovery efforts are hampered by heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides. Six foreigners were on board: 4 Americans, one Briton (editorial note: British citizen) and one Japanese.
The airline said, that the airplane was going to divert to Simara Airport due to weather conditions at Kathmandu.
There are conflicting reports about the technical failure reported by the crew. The airport of Kathmandu reported, that the crew reported an engine failure before radio and radar contact was lost. Other sources say, that the crew reported a generator failure before turning around, subsequently a second generator failed which would have left the crew without instruments and communication in instrument meteorological conditions.
Villagers of Bastipur reported, that the airplane impacted a field near the school and was torn to small pieces. There was no (engine) noise prior to impact.
Metars Kathmandu:
VNKT 240350Z 00000KT 3000 RA SCT008 SCT015 OVC090 20/XX Q1012 NOSIG
VNKT 240250Z 00000KT 3000 +RA SCT008 SCT015 OVC090 20/XX Q1012 NOSIG
VNKT 240150Z 00000KT 3000 +RA SCT008 SCT015 OVC090 20/XX Q1011 NOSIG
VNKT 240050Z 00000KT 3000 SCT008 SCT015 OVC090 21/XX Q1011 NOSIG
VNKT 231150Z 00000KT 6000 -SHRA SCT015 FEW025CB OVC090 22/XX Q1010 NOSIG
VNKT 231050Z 00000KT 6000 -SHRA SCT015 FEW025CB OVC090 22/XX Q1010 NOSIG
