Flight History
After departing from Jaffna, the DC-3 aircraft named Sunetra Devi began its descent into Trichy around 1:30 p.m. According to press reports, a passenger claimed that one of the engines "gave trouble soon after the plane took off from Jaffna," a statement corroborated by the captain's subsequent remark that "the engine stalled just before the plane was to land."
Erratic Approach
Passenger Dr. G. Wignarajah, a regular traveler on the route, observed erratic flying. The aircraft narrowly avoided collision with Trichy Rock, a landmark roughly 7 miles from the airport. Onlookers at Trichy airfield noted that the DC-3 appeared to approach too fast, with the left wing tilted downward rather than level.
Violent Touchdown
Witnesses agreed that the aircraft touched down heavily, bounced, and then crashed nose-first onto the grass beside the runway. The left landing gear struck the ground with a fearsome impact, causing the wheel to collapse. With one of its two main wheels missing, the lopsided Dakota careered along the grass until the drooping left wing dug in, spinning the plane in a sharp 180-degree left turn. The left propeller detached, and later the right wheel and engine were wrenched off and thrown a distance from the fuselage.
Aftermath and Injuries
The aircraft came to a halt after a prolonged ordeal. A small fire broke out but was quickly extinguished by the airport fire brigade. The second heavy impact caused extensive damage to the nose and cockpit. Rescuers anticipated the worst, but the crew survived. Captain Dixon Kotelawala sustained superficial injuries to his head, chin, and ribs. Co-pilot Simon Rasiah suffered a fractured skull and a broken forearm. Stewardess Ranee Ranawake, who unbuckled her seatbelt after the first bounce to look outside, was thrown and fractured her collarbone. Passenger C.V. Ramaswamy Reddiar sustained a fractured nasal bone.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft was left severely battered, with major structural damage to the nose and landing gear. The fuselage remained intact, allowing all occupants to survive the accident.