2 fatalities

Single-engine aircraft crash near Sulaymānīyah Airport

Sulaymānīyah, IraqTakeoff (climb)

On April 23, 1963, a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter operated by United States Army was involved in an aviation accident near Sulaymānīyah, Iraq during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft encountered a downdraft during its initial climb, causing it to lose altitude and crash. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft crashed during its initial climb following takeoff from Sulaymānīyah Airport after encountering a downdraft.

What happened

During an ascent shortly after departing from Sulaymānīyah Airport, a single-engine aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude. While the aircraft was in its initial climb phase, it encountered a significant downdraft that prevented it from maintaining necessary height, leading to a crash.

The accident resulted in two fatalities, involving both the pilot and the co-pilot. One passenger survived the impact but sustained injuries.

Findings

Investigations into the event indicate that the primary factor in the loss of altitude was the encounter with a downdraft during the critical climb phase immediately following takeoff.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered a downdraft during its initial climb, causing it to lose altitude and crash.