Approach accident during ferry flight to Calcutta-Dum Dum

No fatalities • Calcutta-Dum Dum, India • Landing (descent or approach)

A ferry flight crew lost visibility during a heavy rainstorm while approaching runway 01R at Calcutta-Dum Dum, resulting in a ground impact short of the threshold.

What happened

A ferry flight traveling from Raipur toward Calcutta-Dum Dum encountered deteriorating weather conditions during its descent. While descending to an altitude of approximately 1,830 meters, the crew received notification that visibility at the destination had decreased to 2 km. Due to changing wind components, air traffic control directed the aircraft to perform an approach to runway 01R, a runway lacking ILS capabilities.

As the aircraft progressed on final approach, it entered a low-pressure zone characterized by intense rainfall. Approximately 4 km from the airfield, the plane encountered heavy rain, and by the time it reached 900 meters from the runway threshold at an altitude of roughly 40 to 50 meters, visibility had dropped to zero. Although air traffic control alerted the crew to the minimums and the navigator suggested a go-around, the pilot continued the descent. The aircraft struck the ground 198 meters before the runway threshold and 20 meters left of the centerline. Following the impact, the plane slid into a swampy area. There were no fatalities among the seven crew members, though the aircraft was destroyed.

Findings

The investigation determined that the primary factor was the encounter with heavy rainfall which eliminated all visual references to the ground and runway. A critical contributing factor was the pilot's failure to execute a go-around despite warnings from both the navigator and air traffic control. Additionally, the crew's lack of familiarity with non-precision approach procedures for runway 01R contributed to the accident.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the ground after heavy rain reduced visibility to zero and the pilot failed to initiate a go-around despite warnings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-07-29 Antonov AN-12 accident near Calcutta-Dum Dum, India?

A ferry flight crew lost visibility during a heavy rainstorm while approaching runway 01R at Calcutta-Dum Dum, resulting in a ground impact short of the threshold.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-07-29 Antonov AN-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-07-29 involved a Antonov AN-12, registration CCCP-12993, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Calcutta-Dum Dum, India.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the ground after heavy rain reduced visibility to zero and the pilot failed to initiate a go-around despite warnings.

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