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Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Vehari, Pakistan, 26 Nov 1948 (AP-ACE)

Vehari, PakistanFlight

On November 26, 1948, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration AP-ACE) operated by Pakistan Airways - Pak Air was involved in an aviation accident near Vehari, Pakistan in flight. 21 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The omission of a sealing washer on the carburetor fuel filter of the port engine resulting in fuel leaking on to the ignition systems, culminating in a severe oil fire which finally involved the main port fuel tanks. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The omission of a sealing washer on the carburetor fuel filter of the port engine resulting in fuel leaking on to the ignition systems, culminating in a severe oil fire which finally involved the main port fuel tanks. Secondary causes were a generally low standard of maintenance due to lack of tools, spares, adequate lighting, hurried workmanship, and inexperience in lower staff grades. The crew carried out their duty in a disciplined manner and if disintegration had been delayed for a short while longer an emergency landing could have been made.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The twin engine aircraft left Karachi at 0805LT bound for Lahore and climbed to the assigned altitude of 7,000 feet. While cruising in the region of Vehari, the aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a huge explosion, killing all 21 occupants.

Probable cause (official findings): The omission of a sealing washer on the carburetor fuel filter of the port engine resulting in fuel leaking on to the ignition systems, culminating in a severe oil fire which finally involved the main port fuel tanks. Secondary causes were a generally low standard of maintenance due to lack of tools, spares, adequate lighting, hurried workmanship, and inexperience in lower staff grades. The crew carried out their duty in a disciplined manner and if disintegration had been delayed for a short while longer an emergency landing could have been made.

Related events

Same operator

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