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5 fatalities

Aircraft Accident at Trincomalee-China Bay Airport (CS-403)

Trincomalee-China Bay, Sri LankaTakeoff (climb)

On December 18, 1958, a De Havilland DH.104 Dove (registration CS-403) operated by Sri Lanka Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Trincomalee-China Bay, Sri Lanka during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure after rotation. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Trincomalee-China Bay Airport following an engine failure, resulting in the deaths of all five occupants.

Incident Overview and Casualties An aircraft accident occurred shortly after takeoff from Trincomalee-China Bay Airport. During the initial climb phase, the aircraft experienced an engine failure. Following this mechanical issue, the airplane stalled and crashed into a fuel storage area, causing a large explosion. All five individuals on board were killed in the accident. The fatalities included two crew members and three passengers. The crew consisted of F/Lt R. Varatharasa and F/Lt Shibley. The three passengers were Lt Peiris, Maj Andrew J. Hacker, and Sgt A. Guy. The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was engine failure after rotation.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Dec 1958 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident near Trincomalee-China Bay, Sri Lanka?

An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Trincomalee-China Bay Airport following an engine failure, resulting in the deaths of all five occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Dec 1958 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Dec 1958 involved a De Havilland DH.104 Dove, registration CS-403, operated by Sri Lanka Air Force, at Trincomalee-China Bay, Sri Lanka.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure after rotation.

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