Fatal crash of aircraft near Panagarh following propeller failure

25 fatalities • Panagarh, India • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft flying from Dhaka to New Delhi crashed during an emergency landing attempt at Panagarh, resulting in the deaths of all 25 people on board.

What happened

During a flight from Dhaka-Tejgaon Airport toward New Delhi, the crew encountered a critical mechanical failure approximately 40 minutes into the journey. A propeller component became detached from the engine, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency and divert the aircraft to Panagrah, West Bengal.

Following the separation of the propeller part, the flight crew experienced significant control issues, specifically finding that the landing gear and flaps could not be deployed. In an attempt to assess the situation or prepare for landing, the captain performed a very low-altitude pass, flying roughly one meter above the runway surface for a distance of two kilometers. During this maneuver, the right wing made contact with the ground. This impact caused the aircraft to lose stability and crash, subsequently resulting in a post-crash fire.

Findings

All 25 occupants on board the aircraft perished in the accident. The investigation determined that the primary factor leading to the emergency was the failure of propeller blades, which detached while the plane was in flight.

Probable cause

The detachment of propeller blades during flight led to a loss of mechanical control and subsequent structural failure during an emergency landing attempt.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1970-12-19 Antonov AN-22 accident near Panagarh, India?

An aircraft flying from Dhaka to New Delhi crashed during an emergency landing attempt at Panagarh, resulting in the deaths of all 25 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1970-12-19 Antonov AN-22 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 25 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1970-12-19 involved a Antonov AN-22, registration CCCP-09305, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Panagarh, India.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The detachment of propeller blades during flight led to a loss of mechanical control and subsequent structural failure during an emergency landing attempt.

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