Accident Overview
On 29 October 2008, a Punjab Government-operated Beechcraft King Air C90, registration VT-EHY, was involved in an accident while operating a flight from Chandigarh to Ludhiana. The accident occurred during the second attempt to land at Ludhiana Airport. The incident was notified to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) by ATC at Ludhiana and Punjab Government officials soon after the occurrence. An investigation was carried out by an Inspector of Accident under Rule 71 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937. In accordance with ICAO Annex 13, notifications were sent to the United States (country of manufacture), Canada (engine manufacture), and ICAO. The Transport Safety Board of Canada appointed an accredited representative and authorized the engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney, to participate in the engine investigation.
Flight History
At the time of the accident, low visibility conditions prevailed at Ludhiana. Due to the poor visibility, the flight crew identified the runway later than normal and relied on GPS for position estimation. Although they sighted the runway at some point during the approach, they lost visual contact again and were unable to locate it subsequently. The crew executed orbits on the right (east) side of Runway 12 in an effort to visually acquire the runway, then followed non-standard procedures for landing. Uncomfortable with the approach, they decided to go around. Because of low visibility and a probable desire not to lose sight of the airfield, they performed a non-standard go-around. In their anxiety to maintain visual contact with the field, they descended during three orbits in the vicinity of the airfield on the west side of Runway 12, perhaps intending to land after making a short circuit from the right. However, smoke entered the cockpit, causing severe disorientation. The crew lacked qualification and experience on the aircraft type. Upon sighting a communication tower, panic set in. In their anxiety, control was lost and the aircraft impacted the ground in a steep left bank. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and subsequent fire. Both occupants on board died due to fire and collapsing aircraft structure.
Contributing Factors
Several factors were identified as contributory to the accident. Low visibility reduced the margin of safety, likely caused severe disorientation, influenced crew decisions, and led to the use of non-standard procedures. Both crew members lacked the necessary qualification, experience, and familiarity with the aircraft type and terrain. Smoke in the cockpit further reduced the safety margin and distracted the crew. An obstruction in the flight path (communication tower) prompted a severe control input, resulting in loss of control. Additionally, there was a lack of operational control and supervision by the organization.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was loss of control while on base leg for landing on Runway 12 after executing a go-around. Contributory factors included low visibility, crew inexperience, smoke in the cockpit, an obstruction in the flight path, and inadequate operational supervision.