What happened
During a cargo transport mission originating in Karachi, the crew encountered a critical emergency while on approach to New Delhi-Palam Airport. The flight crew reported that an engine fire had developed during the descent.
Upon determining that the aircraft could not safely reach the intended destination at Palam, the pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure near Gurgaon, situated approximately 15 km south of the capital's airport. During the descent, the aircraft impacted a field, where it slid for several dozen yards and collided with various obstacles before being consumed by flames.
The accident resulted in four fatalities and one survivor among the crew. The aircraft was completely destroyed during the impact and subsequent fire.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor was the mechanical failure of the number one engine, which subsequently ignited and experienced an explosion.