On December 4, 1974, Martinair Flight 138, a chartered passenger flight operated by the Dutch airline Martinair, met a devastating fate as it approached its destination of Male, Maldives. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8, was carrying a total of 191 individuals, consisting of both crew and passengers, primarily Dutch holidaymakers. As the flight descended towards Male, it encountered adverse weather conditions over the mountainous regions of Sri Lanka, specifically the Saptha Kanya mountain range near Maskeliya, which obscured visibility and complicated the flight's landing approach.

The investigation following the crash pointed to navigational errors and miscommunication between the flight crew and the air traffic control. Without proper guidance, the pilots were unable to react effectively to the hazardous weather conditions and terrain. Tragically, the airplane collided with the mountain, resulting in a catastrophic explosion upon impact, claiming all lives onboard. This incident not only stands out due to the high number of casualties but also raised significant concerns about flight safety regulations, pilot training, and operational procedures in the airline industry, particularly for international travel in challenging weather.

Martinair Flight 138 was a defining moment in aviation history, prompting reviews of safety protocols worldwide and leading to improvements in navigational technology and pilots' handling of inclement weather. The aftermath saw a renewed focus on accident prevention measures, risk assessment procedures, and the regulations governing chartered flights, aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.