Myanmar Air Force Shaanxi Y-8 crashes into Andaman Sea

A Myanmar Air Force Shaanxi Y-8 aircraft with 122 people onboard has crashed into the Andaman Sea off the coast of Myanmar. Out of the 14 crew and 108 passengers onboard the Myeik – Yangon bound flight, 15 people are reported to have survived.

A Myanmar Air Force Shaanxi Y-8, similar to the aircraft involved in the crash Wikipedia

The incident occurred on the 7th of May. The aircraft had been flying military personnel and their families on a route from Yangon to Dawei, Myeik and Bokpyin before heading back to Yangon via Myeik.

The flight departed on it’s final leg, Myeik to Yangon, at 13:06 local time. At 13:35 local time, while cruising at FL180 around 20nm West of Dawei, radar contact was lost.

A map showing the place of last radar contact Daily Mail

Six Myanmar Navy vessels and three helicopters and aircraft started a search and rescue effort, which has found wreckage around 118-136nm from Dawei. Some bodies of women and children have been found and recovered.

Authorities have recovered some bodies from the crash ©BBC

The Shaanxi Y-8F-200 involved in the incident was serial number 5820, delivered to the country’s Air Force in March 2016. The aircraft had 809 flying hours at the time of the crash. The type is commonly used by the Myanmar Air Force to transport cargo; 2.4 tonnes of cargo are reported to have been onboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.

The flight was believed to be a domestic rest & relaxation charter for military personnel and their families. The departure airport was Myeik Airport (MGZ/VYME) with Yangon-Mingaladon Airport (RGN/VYYY) as the scheduled arrival airport.

Aviation analysts in the area claim the crash is likely to have been caused my a mechanical failure, as weather conditions in the region are fine.

This story is developing, we will continue to update you on the unfolding events.