5 fatalities

Engine Failure Leads to Crash After Takeoff from New Delhi-Safdarjung Airport (VT-CZC)

New Delhi-Safdarjung, IndiaTakeoff (climb)

On December 5, 1970, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VT-CZC) operated by Jamair was involved in an aviation accident near New Delhi-Safdarjung, India during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine during initial climb due to fuel exhaustion. It was determined that the crew failed to follow the preflight checklist and due to poor flight preparation, the aircraft was not refueled prior to departure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 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

Shortly after takeoff, the right engine failed due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot declared an emergency but the aircraft stalled and crashed, killing three crew and two passengers. The aircraft was destroyed. Poor preflight preparation and failure to follow checklist led to insufficient fuel.

Accident Summary

Shortly after takeoff from New Delhi-Safdarjung Airport, while in the initial climb, the right engine failed. The pilot declared an emergency and initiated a turn. During the turn, the airplane went out of control, stalled, and crashed. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and three crew members and two passengers were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the right engine during initial climb due to fuel exhaustion. The investigation found that the crew failed to follow the preflight checklist, and due to poor flight preparation, the aircraft was not refueled prior to departure.