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15 fatalities

Kathmandu-Tribhuvan Runway Overrun Accident (VT-DBA)

Kathmandu, NepalLanding (descent or approach)

On May 15, 1956, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VT-DBA) operated by Indian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kathmandu, Nepal during landing or approach. 15 people were killed. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered VT-DBA
Aircraft registered VT-DBA. Photo: Aeroprints.com / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft overran the runway at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan after a high-speed landing and bounced several times. Nineteen occupants were injured, and 14 occupants plus one person on the ground were killed.

Incident Overview and Outcome of the Accident Investigation Report: The accident investigation report details an incident at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan where the aircraft landed at an excessive speed. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or exact location beyond the airport. The landing resulted in the aircraft bouncing several times before it finally settled on the runway. After traveling a few dozen yards, the pilot-in-command added power in an attempt to execute a go-around. During this maneuver, the airplane overran the runway and crashed into a ravine. The accident resulted in significant casualties: nineteen occupants were injured, while fourteen occupants and one person on the ground were killed.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 May 1956 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Kathmandu, Nepal?

An aircraft overran the runway at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan after a high-speed landing and bounced several times. Nineteen occupants were injured, and 14 occupants plus one person on the ground were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 May 1956 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 15 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 May 1956 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration VT-DBA, operated by Indian Airlines, at Kathmandu, Nepal.

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