Fatal aircraft crash in Paikarapur following engine fire

17 fatalities • Charbatia AFB (Cuttack), India • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed in the Paikarapur district during its initial climb after an engine fire led to an uncontrolled descent, resulting in multiple fatalities on board and on the ground.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure from Charbatia AFB, the flight crew reported an emergency due to an engine fire. While the aircraft was cleared to return to the airfield, the captain began a turning maneuver as the fire expanded from the engine nacelle toward the wing. This resulted in the aircraft entering an uncontrolled descent, eventually impacting the ground in the Paikarapur district.

The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft and several nearby residential structures. The accident resulted in 17 fatalities, comprising all nine occupants of the aircraft and eight individuals on the ground. Additionally, the crash caused injuries to 10 other people located on the ground.

Findings

While investigators were unable to pinpoint the specific origin of the engine fire with absolute certainty, reports indicated that the fire extinguishing systems were inoperative during the incident.

Probable cause

The failure of the aircraft's fire suppression systems prevented the crew from managing an engine fire that subsequently spread to the wing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-03-08 Antonov AN-12 accident near Charbatia AFB (Cuttack), India?

An aircraft crashed in the Paikarapur district during its initial climb after an engine fire led to an uncontrolled descent, resulting in multiple fatalities on board and on the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-03-08 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 17 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-03-08 involved a Antonov AN-12, registration L2174, operated by Indian Air Force - Bharatiya Vayu Sena, at Charbatia AFB (Cuttack), India.

What was the probable cause of the accident?