17 fatalities

Engine Fire During Climb Leads to Crash at Paikarapur (L2174)

Charbatia AFB (Cuttack), IndiaTakeoff (climb)

On March 8, 1988, an Antonov AN-12 (registration L2174) operated by Indian Air Force - Bharatiya Vayu Sena was involved in an aviation accident near Charbatia AFB (Cuttack), India during takeoff. 17 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the engine fire could not be determined with certainty. However, it was reported that the fire extinguishing systems were inoperative. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced an engine fire after takeoff from Charbatia AFB. The fire spread during a return turn, leading to an uncontrolled descent and crash in Paikarapur district. All nine occupants and eight people on the ground were killed, with ten others injured.

Accident Summary

Shortly after takeoff from Charbatia Air Force Base, the crew declared an emergency due to an engine fire during the initial climb. Air traffic control cleared the aircraft to return to the airfield.

Emergency and Fire Spread

As the captain initiated a turn to return, the fire intensified, spreading from the engine to the nacelle and the wing. The aircraft subsequently entered an uncontrolled descent.

Crash and Casualties

The aircraft crashed in the Paikarapur district, destroying the aircraft and several houses. All nine occupants aboard the aircraft were killed, along with eight people on the ground. An additional ten individuals on the ground sustained injuries.

Probable Cause

The exact cause of the engine fire could not be determined with certainty. However, it was reported that the fire extinguishing systems were inoperative.