No fatalities

Copilot's Failure to Maintain Altitude Leads to Crash Short of Runway (VT-CMD)

Along, IndiaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 7, 1964, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VT-CMD) operated by Kalinga Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Along, India during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident is attributed to the copilot's failure to effect a safe landing. The captain was not authorized to permit a landing by the copilot. 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

During final approach to Along Airport, the copilot-in-command failed to realize insufficient altitude, causing the aircraft to strike a fence, stall, and crash in flames. All seven occupants were rescued.

Accident Sequence

On final approach to Along Airport, during the last segment of the descent, the copilot-in-command failed to realize that his altitude was insufficient for a safe landing. The airplane subsequently struck a fence, entered an aerodynamic stall, and crashed in flames short of the runway threshold.

Rescue and Aircraft Damage

All seven occupants aboard the aircraft were successfully rescued from the wreckage. The aircraft sustained partial destruction by fire.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation findings, the accident is attributed to the copilot's failure to effect a safe landing. Additionally, the captain was not authorized to permit a landing by the copilot under the circumstances.