Aircraft crash near Sharjah Airport during night departure

1 fatality • Sharjah, United Arab Emirates • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft carrying pilgrims from Karachi to Jeddah crashed in a desert area shortly after takeoff from Sharjah Airport, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

During a nighttime departure from Sharjah Airport, an aircraft transporting passengers on a pilgrimage from Karachi to Jeddah experienced a loss of control during the initial climb. The flight was operating under dark conditions when the aircraft entered a stall and descended into a desert region situated near the end of the runway.

While the accident resulted in one fatality, all other individuals on board were successfully rescued from the wreckage. At the time of the incident, the crew configuration consisted of the co-pilot occupying the left-hand seat and the captain positioned in the right-hand seat.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the aircraft became uncontrollable due to the first officer's inability to maintain flight using instruments during the night climb. The official findings concluded that the accident was a direct result of the pilot's failure to navigate via instruments in low-visibility conditions. Furthermore, the captain was held responsible for the event because he failed to properly monitor and supervise the first officer's handling of the aircraft during this critical phase of flight.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the first officer's inability to fly solely by instruments at night and the captain's failure to supervise the flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-08-04 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Sharjah, United Arab Emirates?

An aircraft carrying pilgrims from Karachi to Jeddah crashed in a desert area shortly after takeoff from Sharjah Airport, resulting in one fatality.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-08-04 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-08-04 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration AP-AAD, operated by Orient Airways, at Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the first officer's inability to fly solely by instruments at night and the captain's failure to supervise the flight.

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