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PIA Flight 268: Early Descent Error Causes Fatal Crash On September 28, 1992, Pakistan International Airlines Flight 268, an Airbus A300B4-103 registered as AP-BCP, crashed into the Mahabharat Range during approach to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 167 individuals on board. The controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) incident remains Nepal’s deadliest aviation disaster and the most severe accident in PIA’s history. The flight, originating from Karachi, was conducting the complex "Sierra approach," requiring precise altitude adjustments at several distance-measuring equipment (DME) checkpoints. Investigators found that the aircraft initiated each descent step prematurely, placing it significantly below the required altitudes at various points. At 16 DME, it was 1,000 feet below the prescribed level, and at 10 DME, the discrepancy had increased to 1,300 feet. The aircraft collided with a mountain ridge at approximately 7,300 feet, south of the designated safe crossing altitude of 9,500 feet. Key factors contributing to the accident included pilot error, insufficiently clear navigational charts, and limited intervention by Nepalese air traffic controllers. While the flight crew accurately reported their altitudes, controllers failed to challenge their descent profile until moments before the impact. Visibility challenges due to overcast weather and the steep terrain further complicated situational awareness. Additionally, the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) activated too late to prevent the crash. The accident investigation highlighted deficiencies in the approach plates issued to PIA pilots, which were deemed ambiguous. Recommendations included revisions to standardize navigational charts under ICAO guidelines and modifications to simplify the Sierra approach. Nepalese air traffic controllers' hesitancy to assertively manage deviations in terrain separation was also identified as a systemic issue. Despite these findings, no mechanical faults or terrorism were implicated. The absence of critical cockpit voice recordings hampered insights into the crew's decision-making process, although the flight data recorder provided sufficient evidence to outline the sequence of errors leading to the crash. This incident underscored the complexities of terrain-challenged approaches and the necessity for precise procedural compliance, clear communication, and robust charting to mitigate CFIT risks in similar operational contexts. Subscribe to our Aviation Safety Newsletter NOW and get the hot stuff free and without delay: https://lnkd.in/eGZqhPHR! Visit https://AEROTHRIVE.com for professional training courses, audits and solutions in aviation safety, compliance, quality and operations!

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