Sri Lanka Air Force

Harbin Yunsunji Y-12

Crashed in unknown circumstances in Haputale while completing a survey flight from Wirawila to Colombo-Ratmalana Airport. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and all four crew members were killed.

Antonov AN-32

The approach to Colombo-Ratmalana Airport was completed in marginal weather conditions and low visibility. Too low, the aircraft struck the roof of a house and crashed inverted in a wooded area located in Hokandara, less than 10 km from the runway threshold, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. A crew member was seriously injured while four other occupants were killed. The only survivor died from his injuries six days later, on December 18.

Antonov AN-32

After landing at Jaffna-Palaly Airport, the aircraft went out of control and veered off runway. It collided with a signpost, injured one soldier on the ground and came to rest. All 55 occupants escaped uninjured but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Shaanxi Y-8

The crew departed Colombo-Ratmalana Airport for a local post maintenance test flight as one of the engine has been changed. During climbout, an engine caught fire. The crew was cleared to return for an emergency landing when the engine exploded and separated from the aircraft. Out of control, the airplane crashed in an open field, bursting into flames. All five crew members were killed. It was reported that the engine that caught fire was not the one that has been changed.

Antonov AN-26

The aircraft departed Jaffna-Palaly Airport on a flight to Colombo, carrying mostly Marines officers. While in cruising altitude, the pilot reported an engine fire and diverted to Anuradhapura Airport. On approach, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in a wooded area located 14,5 km from the airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all 40 occupants were killed.

Antonov AN-32

During the takeoff roll at Colombo-Ratmalana Airport, the captain was ready to start the rotation when he suspected a technical problem and decided to abort the takeoff. At the same time, confusion sets in the cockpit and the copilot inadvertently retracts the landing gear, causing the aircraft to sink on the runway. It slid for few dozen metres and came to rest, bursting into flames. Four passengers were killed.

Harbin Yunsunji Y-12

While completing a maritime patrol flight over the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka by night, the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances in the sea. all four crew members were killed.

Antonov AN-32

While on approach to Papaly Airport, the captain contacted ATC and requested that the approach lights intensity should be increased. Shortly later, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed in the sea few km short of runway. All 63 occupants were killed.

Shaanxi Y-8

The aircraft was approaching Palaly AFB in Jaffna following a flight from Colombo, carrying six crew members and supply equipments. On final, the aircraft was shot down by a 20 mm shell and crashed in the sea about 3 km offshore. A crew member was rescued while five other occupants were killed.

Antonov AN-32

The aircraft departed Colombo-Ratmalana Airport on a flight to the Palaly AFB (Jaffna), carrying 70 soldiers and five crew members. Few minutes after takeoff, the crew declared an emergency and reported technical problems with the instruments. After being cleared to return, the pilot-in-command initiated a turn at an altitude of 8,000 feet when the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in the sea about 40 km north-northwest of Ratmalana Airport. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 75 occupants were killed. It was reported that weather conditions at the time of the accident were poor with thunderstorm activity.

Shaanxi Y-8

The aircraft departed Colombo on a flight to Jaffna, carrying military personnels, weapons and ammunition. While descending to Jaffna (Palaly) Airport, the four engine aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile and crashed near Iyakachchi, about 45 km east of Jaffna Airport. All 19 occupants were killed.

De Havilland DH.104 Dove

Shortly after takeoff from Trincomalee-China Bay Airport, while climbing, an engine failed. The airplane stalled and crashed in a huge explosion onto a fuel storage area. All five occupants were killed. Crew: F/Lt R. Varatharasa, F/Lt Shibley. Passengers: Lt Peiris, Maj Andrew J. Hacker, Sgt A. Guy.