What happened
During a flight departing from Al Azaiba Airport, a Douglas C-47 experienced significant issues maintaining altitude shortly after leaving the runway. The aircraft was unable to gain sufficient height, leading it to collide with trees located approximately 500 meters beyond the end of the airstrip. Following the impact, the plane entered a stall and crashed. Despite the severity of the accident, all 20 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the crash was the result of a loss of engine power. This mechanical failure occurred because the carburetor air intake shutters were incorrectly set to the 'Hot air' position rather than the required 'Ram air' setting. It was noted that on other Douglas C-47 aircraft within the Gulf Air fleet, the control levers for the air intake were configured in the opposite manner, which may have contributed to the error.