Aircraft crash in Naga Mountain Range during supply mission

5 fatalities • Tobu, India • Flight

A supply-dropping flight crashed into a mountain slope in the Naga Mountain Range, resulting in five fatalities and two survivors.

What happened

A flight departing from Jorhat-Rowliah Airport for a cargo delivery mission to Noklok ended in a fatal accident. During the transit, the crew encountered worsening weather conditions, prompting them to notify ground personnel of their intention to abort the mission and return to their point of origin.

While navigating through areas of low visibility, the aircraft collided with a mountain slope within the Naga Mountain Range. The wreckage was subsequently located in the vicinity of Tobu. Of the seven people on board, there were five fatalities and two passengers were successfully rescued from the site. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the crash occurred as the pilot attempted to navigate around high terrain while operating under poor visibility. To assist with navigation, the pilot had intentionally reduced the flight altitude to better identify his position, which ultimately led to the collision with the mountain.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to descend to a lower altitude for positioning purposes during poor visibility caused the aircraft to strike high terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1959-03-12 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Tobu, India?

A supply-dropping flight crashed into a mountain slope in the Naga Mountain Range, resulting in five fatalities and two survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1959-03-12 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1959-03-12 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration VT-CYH, operated by Indian Airlines, at Tobu, India.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to descend to a lower altitude for positioning purposes during poor visibility caused the aircraft to strike high terrain.

Loading the flight search…