A Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft preparing for take-off to Mandalay was struck by an FPV suicide drone at approximately 8:00 pm on 20 February, causing panic among passengers but no reported injuries.

The drone was reportedly targeting the adjacent Northern Command headquarters but was shot down by airport security. This caused the drone to crash into and explode against the aircraft’s tail, nose, and mid-fuselage.

In the aftermath, Myitkyina Airport was closed indefinitely, and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People’s Defence Force (PDF) were accused by the junta of committing a “war crime” by targeting civilian infrastructure. The military subsequently launched retaliatory airstrikes across three KIA brigade areas.

“We saw the tail of our plane being hit, and flames were bursting out. Experiencing it firsthand made us realize just how terrifying the situation was. We were running through the darkness with zero visibility, amidst blazing flames and the sound of gunfire. The plane was already in the process of turning when the tail was hit. My heart was pounding for the passengers who were still left on board the plane, and I can’t even imagine the level of fear they felt,” a passenger shared on social media.

Although the aircraft’s tail sustained damage, a local resident confirmed that no passengers were injured during the incident.

“The plane had already been loaded with passengers’ baggage. The Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) aircraft was struck at the tail, but fortunately, all passengers are safe,” said a resident of Myitkyina.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 pm on 20 February, as the MNA passenger plane was preparing for take-off from Myitkyina Airport.

“It appears the target was the junta’s Northern Command headquarters situated to the west of the airport. Airport guards spotted the drone and opened fire on it, which likely caused the drone to crash directly into the plane. The airport is near the Northern Command headquarters,” a source told Mizzima.

Following the crash, Myitkyina Airport has been closed, and local residents report that the sound of gunfire can still be heard in the vicinity.

The Myanmar junta has not yet released an official statement regarding the attack on the airport, and the specific group responsible for the operation remains unidentified.

The junta previously issued a statement on 12 February claiming that a joint force of the KIA and the PDF had launched an attack on Myitkyina Airport in Panmati Ward and its surrounding areas using FPV kamikaze drones.